DMK president M.K. Stalin on 25 July sharply condemned the Tamil Nadu government over the alleged custodial death of Arunachalam, a 24-year-old resident of Amudha Nagar in Thoothukudi district, calling it part of a disturbing pattern of deaths in police custody across the state. Stalin publicly questioned why Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had yet to speak on the matter and accused the ruling administration of abandoning accountability and compassion.

What Happened to Arunachalam

According to available information, Arunachalam was arrested by police on 17 July on charges of illegally selling liquor in the black market. Police maintain that he developed health complications the same day while in custody. He was subsequently released on bail and sent home with family members after his condition reportedly worsened.

Arunachalam was later admitted to Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital, where he remained under treatment for several days before dying on Wednesday, despite medical efforts to save him. His family has alleged that injuries sustained during police custody caused his death — a claim that authorities have not publicly confirmed.

Family Allegations and Protests

Following his death, Arunachalam's relatives alleged that he had been assaulted by police personnel while in custody. The allegations triggered protests by family members and local residents, who demanded a fair investigation and accountability for those responsible. Several opposition parties joined in calling for full transparency in the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.

What Stalin Said

Stalin took to social media platform X to condemn what he described as the continuing trend of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu. In his post, the DMK leader asked when Chief Minister Vijay would finally address the repeated incidents of deaths in police custody.

Notably, Stalin invoked Vijay's own past conduct, pointing out that the present Chief Minister — when in the Opposition — had publicly demanded explanations from the then-government, questioning whether merely saying 'sorry' was sufficient in such cases. Stalin alleged that Vijay had now failed even to offer an apology or publicly express sympathy to the bereaved family.

He questioned whether 'accountability' and 'apology' had become words the present government wished to avoid, and accused the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) administration of showing little compassion toward families of those who die in alleged custodial incidents.

Broader Political Scrutiny

The Thoothukudi case has intensified political scrutiny over policing practices in Tamil Nadu. Critics argue that the pattern of alleged custodial deaths demands systemic reform and independent oversight, not just case-by-case responses. The state government has not issued a formal public statement on the matter as of the time of reporting.

With opposition pressure mounting and family protests continuing, the demand for an impartial investigation into Arunachalam's death is likely to grow in the days ahead.