In a statement issued by A.S. Shankarapandian, General Secretary of Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI), he stated as follows:
Arunachalam, a youth from the Amutha Nagar area of Thoothukudi, was taken by police from the South Police Station on 17.7.26 in connection with an illegal liquor sale case and died at Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital on the 23rd. His parents allege that he died after four police personnel assaulted him. We strongly condemn this incident. It is a matter of concern that custodial deaths continue to occur in Tamil Nadu.
On the 13th of this month, Sabari Varman, who had been arrested in a gutka case and was lodged in Nagercoil prison, died after being assaulted by prison staff and inmates. In Sivaganga in 2025, Ajith Kumar died after being assaulted and tortured by police personnel. In 2020, Jayaraj and Bennix of Sathankulam were killed after being subjected to brutal assaults by police. In 2026 alone, seven such incidents had occurred in Tamil Nadu up to March 15.
During the DMK government’s tenure in Tamil Nadu alone, 35 custodial deaths have occurred. The continuing custodial deaths reflect administrative failures and police excesses. It is unacceptable for police themselves to punish accused persons who should be produced before the law. This undermines trust in the police and deprives citizens of their fundamental rights.
In the D.K. Basu case, the Supreme Court issued 11 mandatory guidelines on 18.12.1996 to prevent torture in police stations and custodial deaths. These are based on the constitutional right to life and the rights of arrested persons. They apply not only to the police but also to all law-enforcement agencies such as the CBI, ED and CRPF. Officials who fail to comply with them legally can face action and contempt of court proceedings.
Such guidelines are not being followed by the police. As a result, deaths in police and prison custody continue. CCTV cameras should be installed in lock-up interrogation rooms in all police stations. Training on human rights and lawful policing procedures is inadequate. Therefore, police personnel should be given proper training in these areas. The Supreme Court guidelines should be implemented and compliance monitored. The National Human Rights Commission’s directions should be implemented by the police. These measures must be followed to prevent any further custodial death.
Head Office,
Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI).