Custodial Death Sparks Outrage in Tamil Nadu: Is Police Excess Growing Under DMK Rule?

Chennai, Tamil Nadu – A fresh wave of outrage has swept across Tamil Nadu after the alleged custodial death of a 32-year-old man in Chengalpattu district, raising serious questions about police brutality and the state government’s commitment to human rights. The incident, which occurred late Monday night, has triggered protests, political blame games, and renewed scrutiny of law enforcement practices under the DMK regime.

A Night in Custody Turns Fatal

According to sources, the victim, identified as M. Ravi, was picked up by local police for questioning in connection with a petty theft case. Family members claim Ravi was healthy when he was taken into custody from his home in the Perungalathur area. However, by early Tuesday morning, police informed his family that he had collapsed in the lock-up and was declared dead on arrival at the government hospital.

Ravi’s wife, Lakshmi, broke down outside the mortuary, surrounded by grieving relatives. “He was not a criminal. They took him for questioning and now he is dead. We want justice!” she cried, her voice echoing the anger of dozens of villagers who soon gathered in protest outside the police station.

Allegations of Torture and Cover-Up

Local activists allege that Ravi’s death is the result of police torture—a charge vehemently denied by officials. However, preliminary post-mortem reports reportedly show multiple bruises and injuries on Ravi’s body, fueling suspicions of foul play.

“They are trying to cover up another case of custodial excess,” said human rights activist S. Muthukumar. “This is not an isolated incident. Police brutality has become routine, and the government must be held accountable.”

Political Fallout and Blame Game

The custodial death has quickly snowballed into a political flashpoint. Opposition parties, including the AIADMK and BJP, have accused the ruling DMK of turning a blind eye to police excesses. “Under the DMK regime, custodial deaths and police high-handedness are on the rise. The Chief Minister must answer,” charged AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami at a press conference in Chennai.

DMK spokespersons, however, have rejected the allegations, insisting that the government is committed to justice and transparency. “The Chief Minister has ordered a CBCID probe. Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty,” said party representative T.K. Raja.

Protests and Demands for Reform

As news of Ravi’s death spread, protests erupted in several towns across Tamil Nadu. Demonstrators blocked roads, raised slogans against the police, and demanded an independent judicial inquiry. Social media platforms were flooded with hashtags like #JusticeForRavi and #StopCustodialDeaths, as citizens called for systemic reforms.

“Every time there is a custodial death, we hear promises of action. But nothing changes,” said law student Priya Subramanian, who joined a candlelight vigil in Chennai. “We need accountability, body cameras, and real oversight.”

A Pattern of Abuse?

This latest incident is not an outlier. According to data from the National Human Rights Commission, Tamil Nadu has reported over a dozen custodial deaths in the past two years alone. Human rights groups warn that the actual numbers may be higher, as many cases go unreported or are dismissed as “natural causes.”

Legal experts argue that a lack of transparency, weak oversight, and political interference have allowed a culture of impunity to flourish within the police force.

A State at a Crossroads

As the DMK government faces mounting pressure, the spotlight is firmly on its response. Will this tragedy mark a turning point, or will it fade into the long list of unresolved custodial deaths?

For Ravi’s family, and for all those demanding justice, the answer cannot come soon enough. As Tamil Nadu grapples with questions of law, order, and basic human rights, one thing is clear: the state’s conscience has been shaken, and the call for change is growing louder than ever.