Thirupuvanam custodial death witness seeks protection
An eyewitness in the Thirupuvanam custodial death case has sought police protection after allegedly receiving threats.
Saktheeswaran, who works at the Madapuram Badrakaliamman Temple and reportedly filmed the assault on the deceased Ajith Kumar, has formally complained to Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) Shankar Jiwal on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. He fears for his safety and has requested armed police protection from outside the Thirupuvanam district to ensure impartiality.
Saktheeswaran claims that he has been facing continuous threats since he provided direct testimony and submitted video evidence related to the case. He specifically named S Raja, one of the arrested police personnel, alleging that Raja has close ties with history-sheeters and issued threats to him directly.
The Madras High Court, which is closely monitoring the case and has ordered a CBI investigation, had previously directed that necessary protection be provided to eyewitnesses and that all evidence be preserved. This development underscores the gravity of the situation and the need to protect those who come forward with crucial evidence in such sensitive cases.