In a significant move that has shaken Tamil Nadu’s political and law enforcement circles, Tamil actor and political figure Vijay has publicly joined the protest demanding justice for Ajith Kumar, a 26-year-old man who died under suspicious circumstances in police custody. Vijay not only took part in the protest but also issued a scathing criticism of the ruling DMK government, blaming it for the rise in custodial violence and lack of accountability.
Ajith Kumar, a resident of Trichy, was taken into custody by local police in connection with a petty theft case. Within 24 hours, his family received the devastating news that he had died in custody. The police claimed it was a case of “sudden illness,” but multiple injuries on his body and the presence of bruises suggest possible torture. Human rights groups and the victim’s family have outright rejected the official explanation and demanded an independent investigation.
Vijay, who recently launched his political party ‘Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’, has been trying to distance himself from cinematic stardom and establish himself as a serious political voice. His decision to take part in the protest, standing side-by-side with grieving family members, is being viewed as a bold political move. “This is not an isolated incident. This is the result of a decaying system,” Vijay said at the protest. “The DMK government must stop blaming the past and take responsibility for what is happening under its rule.”
This isn’t the first time Vijay has spoken out against systemic failures. In recent months, he has been vocal about corruption, poor governance, and rising unemployment. However, this marks his most direct confrontation with the current regime over police brutality. He further added, “Custodial deaths are not accidents. They are the result of unchecked power and political silence. If the state cannot guarantee the safety of its people inside police stations, where else can they be safe?”
The DMK government has yet to issue an official statement regarding Vijay’s remarks. However, pressure is mounting as more celebrities and political figures are coming forward in support of the protest. The State Human Rights Commission has already taken suo motu cognizance of the case and has sought a detailed report from the Trichy police.
Ajith Kumar’s family has demanded that the officers involved be immediately suspended and charged with murder under IPC Section 302. An autopsy has been conducted, but the full report has not been made public. Sources indicate that internal inquiries are underway, but there is skepticism about whether justice will be served without public pressure.
As the protest gains momentum, videos of Vijay at the protest site have gone viral on social media, with hashtags like #JusticeForAjithKumar and #VijaySpeaksTruth trending across platforms. This incident has brought back memories of previous custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu, including the infamous Sathankulam case in 2020, which also triggered widespread outrage and calls for reform.
What remains to be seen is whether this latest death in custody becomes just another entry in a long list of such cases — or whether Vijay’s involvement will force the state government to act decisively. For now, the people of Tamil Nadu are watching closely, waiting to see whether justice will be more than just a word in speeches.