DMK president M.K. Stalin has criticized the Tamil Nadu government for the death of a 24-year-old man from Thoothukudi, citing a troubling pattern of custodial deaths in the state. Stalin questioned Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s silence on such incidents and accused the government of lacking accountability and compassion.
The criticism stems from the death of Arunachalam, a Thoothukudi resident who passed away at the Government Medical College Hospital after sustaining injuries while in police custody. Arunachalam was arrested on July 17 for allegedly selling liquor illegally and faced health complications in custody the same day.
Arunachalam was released on bail and later admitted to the hospital, where he eventually died despite medical efforts. His family alleges he was assaulted by police, leading to his demise. The incident sparked protests, with demands for a fair investigation and accountability for those involved.
Stalin condemned the trend of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu, urging the Chief Minister to address the issue. He criticized Vijay for not acknowledging or expressing sympathy for such incidents, highlighting a lack of compassion from the ruling administration. The allegation has reignited calls for a thorough investigation into Arunachalam’s death and raised concerns about policing practices.
