'Don't Want Reels, We Want Justice': DMK Seeks Answers From CM Vijay Over Custodial Death
'Don't Want Reels, We Want Justice': DMK Seeks Answers From CM Vijay Over Custodial Death Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 12:29 IST The
'Don't Want Reels, We Want Justice': DMK Seeks Answers From CM Vijay Over Custodial Death Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 12:29 IST The opposition sought to draw a contrast between Vijay's current silence and his earlier criticism of custodial deaths during the previous DMK government. Rapid Read Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay. (X) Tamil Nadu News: The arrest of three prison officials in connection with the alleged custodial death of a specially-abled man inside a Tamil Nadu sub-jail triggered a major political confrontation, with the opposition DMK accusing Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay of remaining silent on an issue he once aggressively championed as an opposition leader. The controversy erupted after a police investigation found evidence of an assault inside the Kanniyakumari district sub-jail where 35-year-old Sabari Varman died on July 13, days after being arrested in a gutkha-related case. Chief Warden N. Suresh and two other prison staff members have since been arrested. Sabari Varman was arrested by South Thamaraikulam police on July 9 and lodged in the sub-jail.
Following his death, relatives gathered at the hospital and alleged that he had been beaten inside the prison. A post-mortem examination reportedly found 19 injuries on his body. Subsequent examination of CCTV footage and a police probe revealed that an altercation had taken place inside the jail on the night of July 12, during which Sabari Varman was allegedly assaulted by prison personnel. With Vijay directly holding the Home portfolio and overseeing the police department, the DMK demanded that he publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the death. Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin said the person in charge of the police department “must explain the circumstances surrounding the custodial death." The opposition also sought to draw a contrast between Vijay’s current silence and his earlier criticism of custodial deaths during the previous DMK government. DMK leaders recalled Vijay’s reaction to a custodial death case during the tenure of former chief minister M.K. Stalin. Party leader Paranthamen said Stalin had publicly taken responsibility and apologised to the victim’s family at the time.
“Vijay had then said, ‘Sir, we don’t want your apology, we want justice’," Paranthamen recalled, adding, “Today, the people of Tamil Nadu are telling Vijay, ‘We don’t want reels, we want justice’." DMK spokesperson Hafeezullah echoed the criticism, saying Vijay had made custodial deaths a major political issue while in opposition. “When Vijay was an opposition leader, he took up the issue of custodial deaths in a big way. Now in his government, police atrocities have led to a death inside a prison," he said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What actions will CM Vijay take regarding the prison officials? The opposition DMK is demanding answers from Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay regarding the custodial death of a specially-abled man, contrasting his current silence with his past criticism of such incidents. They seek justice and an explanation for the circumstances surrounding the death. Could this incident impact the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections?
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