Under fire, CM Stalin hands over probe to CBI

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin transferred the Sivaganga custodial death case probe to the CBI on Tuesday after the state govt came under sharp criticism from Madras HC and opposition parties.

The development comes the same day that a video surfaced of Ajith Kumar being assaulted by policemen in civilian clothes in a shed behind a temple. The video, widely shared on social media, was submitted as evidence in Madras HC on Tuesday.

Stalin also spoke to the family of Ajith, the custodial death victim, and apologised to them. "Romba sorry ma (Very sorry, mother)," he told Malathi, the mother of Ajith Kumar, over the phone. "I have assured them that a fair, transparent, and unbiased investigation will be conducted and that strict action will be taken against those responsible, ensuring justice for Ajith Kumar's grieving family," Stalin said in a statement.