Chennai: Tamil Nadu Minister for Prisons R Nirmal Kumar on Thursday said the state government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards custodial deaths, asserting that anyone found responsible would face immediate arrest and strict legal action.

Responding to questions on the recent custodial death in Nagercoil, the minister said an independent police investigation was underway and stressed that the government would not shield anyone involved.

"Whoever is responsible, arrests will be made without exception. This government neither tolerates nor supports any wrongdoing," Kumar said at a press conference.

He added that Chief Minister M K Stalin had issued clear instructions that deaths in prisons or police custody would not be excused under any circumstances.

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The minister said an FIR had already been registered in the case and that the jail officials allegedly involved, including jailers and wardens, had been arrested.

Highlighting the government's anti-corruption drive, Kumar claimed systemic bribery in sectors such as housing, registration and solar power had been curbed within the first two months of the administration.

He alleged that under the previous government, applicants seeking solar power approvals were asked to pay bribes of up to Rs 25 lakh per megawatt. To tackle corruption, the government has introduced a dedicated toll-free helpline and department-specific email IDs to enable the public to report complaints.

Kumar also said the government was reviewing older tenders to remove inflated commission margins of 20 to 30 per cent, with the aim of ensuring savings benefit the state exchequer. Tenders found to contain irregularities or exaggerated estimates were being cancelled to safeguard public funds, he added.

On the Mekedatu dam dispute, the minister reiterated Tamil Nadu's opposition to Karnataka's proposed project, stating that Karnataka had only been permitted to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

Describing the issue as an inter-state dispute, Kumar said it must be resolved through the appropriate legal mechanisms. He maintained that the Tamil Nadu government would firmly oppose the project, including by raising environmental and forest-related concerns.

Addressing questions on delays in appointing government lawyers, Kumar said 80 to 90 per cent of district-level appointments of Public Prosecutors and Government Pleaders had been completed.

He said the appointments were being made after detailed scrutiny of candidates' backgrounds, including verification by district collectors, and added that underperforming appointees would be removed before the end of their tenure.

Referring to the state cabinet meeting held ahead of the Assembly session, Kumar said discussions focused on Tamil Nadu's budget and financial position. Describing the fiscal condition inherited by the government as "bleeding", he said the Chief Minister was closely monitoring every department to ensure public revenue was utilised effectively for the welfare of the people.

(PTI)