Inspector, two police personnel suspended in Ajith Kumar custodial death case - The HinduPublished - September 15, 2026 08:43 pm IST - SIVAGANGAThree police personnel, including an Inspector, who were imprisoned in connection with the Madappuram temple watchman Ajith Kumar custodial death case, have been suspended.Ajith Kumar (27) worked as a watchman at the Madappuram Badrakaliamman Temple in Sivaganga district.On June 27, 2025, a person named Nikitha, who had visited the Madappuram temple, lodged a complaint of jewellery theft against Ajith Kumar. Based on the complaint, special force police personnel allegedly assaulted Ajith Kumar at the cattle shed behind the temple, reportedly resulting in his death.The case was investigated by the CBI. Murder cases were subsequently registered against six special force police personnel — Raja, Anand, Sankaramanikandan, Prabhu, Kannan and Ramachandran — and all of them were imprisoned.Subsequently, in an additional chargesheet filed by the CBI, the then Manamadurai DSP Shanmugasundaram, Thirupuvanam Inspector Ramesh Kumar, Sub-Inspector Sivakumar and Head Constable Ilaiyaraja were added as accused.The case is currently being heard by the Madurai 5th Additional District Court.Last week, following the court’s order, all four police officials named in the additional chargesheet, including the DSP, were imprisoned.While DSP Shanmugasundaram had already been suspended, District Superintendent of Police Abhishek Gupta issued orders suspending the remaining three police personnel — Inspector Ramesh Kumar, Sub-Inspector Sivakumar and Head Constable Ilaiyaraja.Inspector Ramesh Kumar was working at the Manamadurai police station, while Sub-Inspector Sivakumar and Head Constable Ilaiyaraja were working at the Sivaganga police station.Published - September 15, 2026 08:43 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }