Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder and actor Vijay has strongly urged the Tamil Nadu government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT), monitored by the High Court, to investigate the alleged custodial death of 27-year-old Ajith Kumar in Sivaganga district.

His demand adds to growing political pressure on the ruling DMK, as opposition parties including the AIADMK and BJP continue to criticise the government for police brutality and rising custodial deaths.

Vijay slams police, questions state’s response

In a sharply worded statement, Vijay said the incident “has raised numerous questions in the minds of the public,” and called out the conduct of the Tamil Nadu Police Department as “cruel, utterly inhumane, and unjust.” He added that the police force operates under the direct control of Home Minister MK Stalin.

Vijay went on to accuse the government of initially trying to protect the officers involved in the case, saying it was only after political parties like TVK raised their voices and the Madurai Bench of the High Court intervened that any action was taken.

Questions raised over past custodial deaths

Vijay did not limit his criticism to the current case. He raised concerns over previous custodial deaths in the state, questioning whether murder charges had been filed in each case and if justice had been delivered.

He highlighted that the Madurai Bench of the High Court had expressed concern about 24 custodial deaths over the past four years. He called on Home Minister MK Stalin to release a white paper detailing all such incidents.

Given that police personnel are the accused in Ajith Kumar’s case, Vijay said an impartial investigation is crucial. He urged the government to form an SIT similar to the one created in the Anna University student sexual assault case, which had led to a speedy verdict.

Vijay's warning to DMK government

Calling for immediate action from Chief Minister MK Stalin, Vijay said he must assure the people of Tamil Nadu that such "horrific incidents" would not happen again.

In a strong message ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, he warned, “If not, I solemnly warn that in the 2026 Assembly elections, the people will gift the anarchic regime led by MK Stalin, which oppresses ordinary citizens through the abuse of power, a defeat so unprecedented that the DMK could not even imagine it in Tamil Nadu's history.”

Ajith Kumar's death under investigation

Ajith Kumar, a security guard, died on 29 June, allegedly after being tortured while in police custody. A post-mortem conducted at Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital revealed 15 external injuries, according to The News Minute.

He was originally detained in connection with a gold theft case filed by two women, Sivakami and Nikita. Police took Ajith Kumar, along with his brother and three others, to various places in Tirupuvanam during the investigation. His brother has alleged that they were physically assaulted by the police.

This case marks the 24th custodial death reported in Tamil Nadu in the last four years. So far, five police officers have been suspended in connection with the incident.

(With agency inputs)