AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has strongly criticized Chief Minister M.K. Stalin over the alleged custodial death of a temple guard in Sivaganga district.

Ajith Kumar, a guard at the Madappuram temple, was accused of stealing 9.5 sovereigns of gold from a woman devotee’s car. Following this, the police questioned him. His family claims he died due to police assault. Protests have erupted in the area demanding justice.

EPS questioned the Chief Minister’s silence, recalling how Stalin had earlier said he was deeply moved after watching the film ‘Jai Bhim,’ which highlights police brutality. “Where is the Chief Minister who once said that movie shook his heart?” EPS asked.

He further stated that if Ajith Kumar was suspected of a crime, he should have been arrested and produced before a court, not subjected to violence. EPS blamed the Chief Minister for failing to control the police force that functions under his direct supervision.

EPS demanded a judicial inquiry led by a district judge, strict action against those responsible, and compensation for the victim’s family. He urged the DMK government to act quickly and ensure justice.