The event hosted by TVK chief Vijay brought together families of over 20 individuals who allegedly died due to police torture. This is the first instance of a political party taking up the issue of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu.
Published Jul 13, 2025 | 12:24 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 13, 2025 | 12:24 PM
TVK chief Vijay speaking at the protest in Chennai.
Synopsis: The TVK held a protest in Chennai demanding justice for victims of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu. The event was organised under the leadership of party chief and actor-politician Vijay, in the wake of the recent custodial death of Ajith Kumar in the Sivaganga district.
In poll-bound Tamil Nadu, a political party has, for the first time, taken up the issue of alleged custodial deaths and brought together families of victims to stage a massive protest.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) held a protest in Chennai on Sunday, 13 July, demanding justice for victims of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu. The event was organised under the leadership of party chief and actor-politician Vijay, in the wake of the recent custodial death of Ajith Kumar in the Sivaganga district.
The event brought together families of over 20 individuals who allegedly died due to police torture. Thousands of supporters and cadres of the TVK participated in the demonstration, voicing strong condemnation of custodial violence and urging the government to ensure justice and accountability.
TVK General Secretary N Anand, Election Wing General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna, Propaganda Secretary Arun Raj, and IT Wing Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar were present at the event with Vijay.
Speaking at the protest, Vijay strongly condemned custodial deaths and questioned Chief Minister MK Stalin. Referring to the death of Ajith Kumar, a temple watchman from Madapuram in Thiruppuvanam, Vijay said, “You apologised for his death, but during your tenure, over 24 people have died due to police brutality. Will you apologise to their families too?”
Vijay asked whether the ex gratia relief given to Ajith’s family had also been extended to the families of the 24 other victims. “Please ensure that they, too, receive justice and compensation,” he said.
Vijay criticised the chief minister for his earlier comment, terming the transfer of the Jayaraj-Beniks case to the CBI a disgrace to the Tamil Nadu police.
“Today, you’re hiding behind the same CBI. Even now, the CBI acts as a puppet of the RSS and the BJP. Why hide behind it?” he asked.
He claimed the government’s reluctance to act stemmed from a petition filed by TVK seeking a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe custodial deaths. “That fear is why you’re seeking cover behind the Union government,” he said.
Highlighting continued injustice — from the Anna University incident to the Ajith Kumar case — Vijay accused the government of offering only apologies in response to serious violations. “If courts are delivering justice in every case, what purpose does your chief ministership serve?” he asked.
Concluding his speech, Vijay declared, “Before stepping down from power, correct the law and order situation. Otherwise, we will stand with the people and make it right.”
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
