'How Many More Deaths?' Stalin Questions CM Vijay's Silence on Tamil Nadu Custodial Cases

DMK president M K Stalin on Saturday launched a strong attack on the TVK government, accusing it of failing to address what he described as recurring custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu. The former Chief Minister questioned Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's silence over the latest incident and demanded greater accountability from the state government.

The criticism follows the death of 26-year-old N Arunachalam, a resident of Amudha Nagar in Tuticorin, who died on July 23, days after reportedly collapsing inside a police lock-up on July 18. Arunachalam had been arrested on July 17 in connection with a prohibition case.

Reacting to the incident, Stalin took to social media platform X and accused the Chief Minister of remaining silent despite repeated custodial death cases being reported in the state. He said accountability and public apologies appeared to be missing from the Chief Minister's approach to governance.

The DMK chief questioned when Vijay would finally respond to the incidents, arguing that the government owed answers to the public. He also recalled an earlier remark by Vijay, who had once questioned whether "a simple apology is enough," and used it to challenge the Chief Minister over his present silence.

"Where is the Chief Minister hiding now?" Stalin asked, asserting that the government could no longer avoid addressing public concerns over custodial deaths.

The latest death has once again brought the issue of police custody and accountability into the political spotlight in Tamil Nadu. With the opposition intensifying its criticism, the incident is expected to fuel fresh debate over policing practices, transparency and the government's response to allegations of custodial excesses.

The Vijay-led government has not yet publicly responded to Stalin's latest criticism.