TN Custodial Death Row Deepens: BJP Demands Murder Case Against Cops, DMK Targets Vijay Govt's 'Silence'

Published 16 July 2026 · politics

TN Custodial Death Row Deepens: BJP Demands Murder Case Against Cops, DMK Targets Vijay Govt's 'Silence' Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 08:37 IST

TN Custodial Death Row Deepens: BJP Demands Murder Case Against Cops, DMK Targets Vijay Govt's 'Silence' Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 08:37 IST The political row over Sabarivarman's custodial death in Tamil Nadu intensifies as BJP demands a murder case against policemen and DMK leaders attack the Vijay government. Political pressure continues to mount on the Tamil Nadu government after the custodial death of differently-abled man Sabarivarman (Photo: Social Media) Political pressure on the Tamil Nadu government continued to mount over the custodial death of differently-abled man S Sabarivarman, with fresh attacks from both the BJP and the DMK. Union Minister L Murugan demanded that a murder case be registered against the police personnel allegedly responsible for the death, while DMK MP Kanimozhi questioned Chief Minister Vijay’s silence, alleging that the government had failed to respond even days after the incident. The controversy comes amid allegations by Sabarivarman’s family that he was tortured in custody, claims that the police have denied, maintaining that he died due to ill health. The case has triggered protests by the deceased’s relatives and has become a major political flashpoint in the state. In a post on X, Union Minister L Murugan accused the Vijay-led government of failing to prevent custodial deaths despite previously criticising the previous administration over similar incidents. “Custodial deaths continue even under the TVK regime…! Why did Mr Joseph Vijay fail to prevent it?" Murugan wrote. Referring to Sabarivarman’s death, he said the incident had caused “immense shock." He noted that the victim’s family alleged his body was covered in injuries and claimed he was tortured and murdered despite being differently abled, while the police maintained that he died due to ill health.

“If someone is accused of a crime, they must be punished according to the law. A civilised society can never accept beating, torturing, and murdering someone who is in custody for investigation," Murugan mentioned. The Union Minister further said that Chief Minister Vijay had spoken against custodial deaths during the previous DMK regime and questioned what explanation he would now offer for similar incidents under his own government. Claiming that reports indicated four custodial deaths had occurred within 60 days of the TVK government assuming office, Murugan said he “strongly condemned" the incident. He demanded that a murder case be registered against the police personnel responsible for Sabarivarman’s death and also sought appropriate compensation for the bereaved family. KANIMOZHI QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE DMK MP Kanimozhi also sharpened her attack after meeting Sabarivarman’s family. Sharing details of her visit on X, she said she had met the family of the differently-abled man who “lost his life due to police brutality in the Nagercoil branch jail" and conveyed her condolences. Kanimozhi questioned the government’s response, saying that even three days after the custodial death, there had been no explanation or statement from Chief Minister Vijay. “No minister has gone in person to visit the affected family. The government has not even stepped forward to provide any relief to that grieving family," she said. “In short, as always, in this issue too, the government is just sitting back and watching the spectacle without taking any responsibility," Kanimozhi alleged. UDHAYANIDHI STALIN ALSO TARGETED THE GOVERNMENT The controversy had intensified earlier after Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin criticised the government over the incident.