Chennai, India – On July 13, 2025, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and popular Tamil actor Vijay led a large-scale protest in Chennai, demanding justice for victims of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu. The demonstration, held at Sivananda Salai, drew thousands of supporters and highlighted growing concerns over alleged police brutality in the state.
The protest was sparked by the death of Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old temple security guard who died in police custody in Sivaganga district last month. A court report confirmed Kumar was illegally detained and tortured, prompting widespread outrage. The Tamil Nadu government has since transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin issuing an apology to Kumar’s family.
Vijay, who recently entered politics as the leader of TVK, criticized the state government for its handling of custodial deaths. Speaking at the protest, he called the current administration a “Sorry Ma” government, accusing it of relying on apologies rather than taking action to ensure justice. “If courts have to intervene in everything, what is the role of the Chief Minister?” Vijay asked, demanding immediate steps to restore law and order.
The protest also addressed a broader issue, with TVK claiming 24 custodial deaths have occurred in Tamil Nadu over the past four years under the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government. Families of 18 victims attended a meeting with Vijay on July 12, where he promised legal and financial support. The TVK chief has called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under High Court supervision to probe these cases and a white paper from the government to ensure transparency.
The demonstration saw participation from families of other custodial death victims, amplifying their demand for accountability. TVK emphasized that the protest was not just about Ajith Kumar’s case but a movement against systemic police excesses across Tamil Nadu. The event, which marked Vijay’s first major public agitation since launching his political party, was seen as a significant show of strength ahead of the 2026 state elections.
The Tamil Nadu government has faced mounting pressure over the issue. In response to Kumar’s death, the state announced compensation of 500,000 rupees (approximately $6,000 USD), a job for Kumar’s brother, and land for the family. However, critics, including Vijay, argue that these measures do not address the root causes of custodial violence.
The Madras High Court recently directed Chennai police to allow the protest after initial objections, though it imposed 20 conditions, including a ban on drones. Despite these restrictions, the event proceeded peacefully, with TVK supporters from across Tamil Nadu joining in solidarity.
Vijay’s emergence as a political figure has drawn global attention, given his massive fan base as a film star. His call for justice and police reform resonates with growing international concerns about custodial violence and human rights. The protest underscores the challenges facing Tamil Nadu’s criminal justice system and the rising demand for accountability in India’s law enforcement practices.
