Chief Minister MK Stalin had assured strict action, and Singh was suspended. However, the suspension was later revoked, sparking further criticism.
Published Sep 16, 2025 | 3:12 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 16, 2025 | 3:12 PM
Balveer Singh (left), and one of the victims showing his injury. (Supplied)
Synopsis: The allegations against Singh’s team are severe: suspects claimed their teeth were pulled out with pliers, their gums rubbed with stones, and in two cases, testicles were crushed. The detainees had been picked up for petty offences like drunken nuisance, family quarrels, and street fights. Though the first hearing took place on 15 December, 2023, progress has been slow.
The long-delayed trial in the Ambasamudram custodial torture case is finally set to begin.
On 13 October, former Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Balveer Singh and 13 of his colleagues will face trial, 30 months after the alleged incident shook Tamil Nadu.
All 14 accused appeared before Judicial Magistrate No. 1, K. Sathya, on Monday, 15 September. The charges, framed in four separate cases, were read out in Tamil. Singh and the others pleaded not guilty.
The court then ordered the prosecution to open its case and issued summons to witnesses.
The CB-CID had registered cases under multiple provisions of the IPC and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2000, as one of the victims was a minor.
The allegations against Singh’s team are severe: suspects claimed their teeth were pulled out with pliers, their gums rubbed with stones, and in two cases, testicles were crushed.
The detainees had been picked up for petty offences like drunken nuisance, family quarrels, and street fights. Though the first hearing took place on 15 December, 2023, progress has been slow.
Of the 26 hearings held so far, Singh skipped 14. Meanwhile, around 10 victims came forward in March 2023 with disturbing testimonies, some showing missing teeth. A newly-married man was among those who alleged sexual torture.
The brutality triggered widespread outrage across the State. Some victims even refused to depose before the high-level inquiry officer, IAS officer P Amudha.
Chief Minister MK Stalin had assured strict action, and Singh was suspended. However, the suspension was later revoked, sparking further criticism.
