Image Credit: X account @actorvijayteam
Vijay Leads Protest Over Custodial Death in Tamil Nadu
Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-politician Vijay led a large protest in Chennai today, demanding justice for Ajith Kumar, a private security guard who died in police custody in Sivagangai district. The demonstration, Vijay’s first major political rally, drew attention to alleged custodial violence in Tamil Nadu.
Vijay Criticises State Government
At the protest, Vijay sharply criticised Chief Minister MK Stalin and the DMK government. He accused them of running a “sorry-model” government that offers apologies instead of accountability. Referring to 24 similar deaths since 2021, he demanded apologies and compensation for all affected families, not just those of Ajith Kumar.
Demand for Special Investigation Team
Vijay urged that the custodial death case be overseen by a Tamil Nadu High Court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT), not just handled by the CBI. He warned against hiding behind the central agency and stressed that giving false Parliamentary statements is unacceptable if courts have to keep asking the state government for answers.
Details of the Custodial Death Case
Ajith Kumar was taken into custody on June 27 for questioning in a jewellery theft case and was declared dead the next day at a government hospital. An autopsy report found 44 external injuries and signs of internal trauma, prompting widespread outrage. The Madras High Court later ordered the case be transferred to the CBI, which registered a murder case against six police officers from Sivagangai.
Political Strategy and Public Engagement
The protest saw thousands of TVK workers join Vijay, who demanded strong legal reforms and justice. Heat and dehydration caused some attendees to collapse. Vijay also met families of custodial death victims in a pre-protest gathering, as TVK marked its stance ahead of the 2026 state elections.
