Why is TN BJP chief demanding an apology from CM Stalin over custodial deaths?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In Tamil Nadu, BJP chief Nainar Nagendran has sharply criticized CM M.K. Stalin for his apology to a victim's mother, questioning its sincerity amidst ongoing custodial deaths. With a list of 23 cases under the DMK's governance, the controversy raises critical concerns about police accountability and human rights in the region.
Key Takeaways
- 23 custodial deaths have been reported under the DMK government.
- CM M.K. Stalin's apology has been met with skepticism.
- Calls for police accountability are intensifying.
- The need for systemic reform in law enforcement is evident.
- A CBI probe has been ordered in response to public outcry.
Chennai, July 2 (NationPress) The President of Tamil Nadu's BJP and Leader of the Legislature Party, Nainar Nagendran, has fiercely criticized Chief Minister M.K. Stalin regarding his public apology to the mother of Ajith Kumar, a 28-year-old man who recently became a victim of an alleged custodial death in Sivaganga district.
In a pointed social media statement, Nagendran accused the Chief Minister of engaging in mere theatrics while incidents of custodial deaths persist under his governance.
In response to a viral clip showing CM Stalin tenderly addressing Ajith Kumar’s mourning mother, “Sorry, ma”, Nagendran questioned the authenticity and impact of such gestures.
“I viewed the meticulously edited video of the Hon’ble Chief Minister expressing ‘Sorry, ma’ to Ajith Kumar’s mother, who was tragically killed by police officers. After permitting such a dreadful act to occur, how can a single word of apology be deemed acceptable?” he stated.
Nagendran further implicated CM Stalin, emphasizing that the police department operates directly under his guidance as Home Minister. “Isn’t it the Chief Minister’s basic responsibility to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the first place?” he added.
To emphasize the seriousness of the matter, the BJP leader enumerated 23 instances of custodial deaths that allegedly transpired during the DMK administration under Stalin’s leadership.
The victims' names, ages, and districts include: 1. Prabhakaran (45) - Namakkal, 2. Sulaiman (44) - Tirunelveli, 3. Thadi Veeran (38) - Tirunelveli, 4. Vignesh (25) - Chennai, 5. Thangamani (48) - Tiruvannamalai, 6. Appu alias Rajasekar (31) - Chennai, 7. Chinnathurai (53) - Pudukkottai, 8. Thangapandi (33) - Virudhunagar, 9. Muruganandham (38) - Ariyalur, 10. Akash (21) - Chennai, 11. Gokulsri (17) - Chengalpattu, 12. Thangasamy (26) - Tenkasi, 13. Karthi (30) - Madurai, 14. Raja (42) - Villupuram, 15. Santhakumar (35) - Tiruvallur, 16. Jayakumar (60) - Virudhunagar, 17. Arputharaj (31) - Villupuram, 18. Bhaskar (39) - Cuddalore, 19. Balakumar (26) - Ramanathapuram, 20. Dravidamani (40) - Tiruchirapalli, 21. Vigneshwaran (36) - Pudukkottai, 22. Shankar (36) - Karur, and 23. Senthil (28) - Dharmapuri.
Nagendran sarcastically questioned, “If the Chief Minister genuinely feels remorseful, when can we anticipate him to conduct photoshoots and video messages asking for forgiveness from the families of these other 23 victims who lost their lives in police custody during his leadership?”
This post has ignited extensive discussions on social media, with many questioning the accountability of the Tamil Nadu Police and the DMK government’s dedication to human rights and justice.
The controversy arises as pressure mounts on the DMK government following the Sivaganga custodial death, prompting CM Stalin to mandate a CBI probe.
While some view the apology as a compassionate political act, opposition leaders like Nagendran insist that symbolic gestures cannot replace the need for systemic reform and justice.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this situation with an unbiased perspective. The ongoing discourse surrounding custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu highlights the need for accountability and reform within the police force. While political gestures may offer temporary relief, lasting change is essential for safeguarding human rights and ensuring justice for all citizens.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Nainar Nagendran's criticism of CM Stalin?
Nagendran criticized Stalin for his public apology to Ajith Kumar's mother, questioning its sincerity given the ongoing issue of custodial deaths under his administration.
How many custodial deaths were mentioned by Nagendran?
Nagendran highlighted 23 cases of custodial deaths allegedly occurring during the DMK government's tenure.
What action did CM Stalin take following the uproar over Ajith Kumar's death?
Following the outrage, CM Stalin ordered a CBI probe into the incident.
What are the implications of Nagendran's statements?
Nagendran's statements raise significant concerns about police accountability and the government's commitment to human rights.
How is the public reacting to this controversy?
The controversy has sparked widespread discussions on social media, questioning the effectiveness of the DMK government's approach to justice.
