Published Jul 13, 2025 | 10:50 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 13, 2025 | 10:50 AM
“Justice is My Responsibility”: Vijay meets families of 18 custodial death victims
Synopsis: TVK chief Vijay met with families of 18 individuals who allegedly died in police custody between 2021 and 2025, during Tamil Nadu’s DMK rule. At the party’s Chennai headquarters, Vijay offered legal and financial support, vowing to ensure justice. The emotionally charged meeting spotlighted continuing concerns over custodial deaths and police accountability under the current government
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Friday met with the families of 18 individuals who allegedly died during police custody over the past four years in Tamil Nadu. The emotionally charged interaction took place at the party’s headquarters in Chennai, where Vijay assured full legal and financial support to the bereaved families.
All 18 custodial deaths took place between 2021 and 2025, during the current DMK regime, underscoring ongoing concerns about police accountability under the present government. These cases have raised serious human rights concerns, with families continuing to seek justice amid prolonged legal battles.
Addressing the victims’ kin, Vijay said, “It is my duty to ensure justice and rightful verdicts for you.” The actor-turned-politician individually interacted with each of the 18 families, spending more than 10 minutes with every one of them, listening to their accounts and grievances in a closed-door setting.
Several attendees reportedly broke down while narrating their stories. Vijay was seen consoling them, embracing grieving relatives, and expressing deep sorrow at the injustices they faced. He firmly assured them that TVK would stand by them, both morally and legally, in their ongoing fight for justice.
In a strong show of solidarity, Vijay announced that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam would bear all legal expenses for ongoing cases related to these custodial deaths. The party has also pledged support for the families’ petitions pending with the State Human Rights Commission and other legal forums.
Additionally, Vijay handed out financial assistance to all 18 families during the event. While the amount has not been publicly disclosed, party insiders said the gesture was symbolic of the party’s long-term commitment to human rights and accountability in law enforcement.
The 18 victims whose families met Vijay represent custodial deaths reported from across Tamil Nadu during 2021–2025:
The families of these victims travelled to Chennai to voice their concerns and seek support. TVK leaders said this was the beginning of a long-term engagement with human rights issues in the state.
Vijay reportedly concluded the meeting with a firm declaration, “Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam will pursue these cases in all available legal avenues. We will ensure that justice is not delayed or denied. This is not just a political commitment—it’s a moral one.”
When asked about the next phase of the legal battle for those affected by custodial deaths, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s propaganda secretary Rajmohan said that an announcement regarding this will be made during tomorrow’s protest in Chennai.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is holding a protest in Chennai tomorrow condemning the custodial death of Ajith Kumar in Sivagangai.
When asked whether Vijay would participate in the protest, he responded, “Unofficially, yes. Officially, it’s not confirmed.”
He also said unofficially Vijay had met with 30 families today.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
