On July 1, 2025, the Madras High Court took serious note of the custodial death of Ajith Kumar, a 29-year-old temporary security guard at Madapuram Bhadrakali Amman Temple. Ajith was detained by a six-member special police team in connection with a theft complaint and was allegedly brutally beaten, leading to his death. The court termed it a case of “police-organized crime”, questioning whether the State was killing its own citizens. Observing that Ajith’s body bore injuries worse than what a murderer might inflict, the court criticized the police for bypassing FIR procedures under the guise of a preliminary enquiry. Judicial enquiry was entrusted to the IVth Additional District Judge, with a report due by July 8, 2025. The court directed that all evidence be handed over and ordered protection for eyewitnesses, along with disciplinary action against responsible officials. It further demanded a status report from the State to ensure accountability and fair investigation.