Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor-turned-politician Vijay took a bold stand on Sunday against the Tamil Nadu government's handling of custodial deaths, accusing Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of evading responsibility by transferring the Ajith Kumar custodial death case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Leading a large protest at Swami Sivananda Salai in Chennai, Vijay criticised the move, stating that the CBI has become a “puppet in the hands of the BJP and RSS” and questioned why the state government, which had previously opposed similar transfers, was now doing the same.

“When the Sathankulam custodial death case was handed to the CBI, you [Stalin] said it was an insult to the Tamil Nadu Police. What changed now?” Vijay asked during his address.

Ajith Kumar, a temple security guard from Sivaganga district, died in custody, sparking public outrage. While the Chief Minister issued a public apology and announced a CBI probe, Vijay deemed the apology insufficient, highlighting that 24 custodial deaths have occurred under the DMK government in the past four years.

“What about the other 24 victims? Why haven’t their families received an apology or compensation?” he questioned.

Wearing a black shirt in symbolic protest, Vijay accused the government of turning a blind eye to systemic issues in law enforcement and governance.

Vijay’s increasing involvement in community-focused issues signals his evolution from a film star to a political leader engaging with ground realities and public grievances. On Saturday, he met with the families of more than 15 custodial death victims at the TVK headquarters in Panaiyur, offering solidarity and support.

During Sunday’s protest, party members called for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of the Madras High Court to ensure an independent and fair probe. Protesters also demanded the release of a White Paper detailing all custodial deaths reported during the DMK's tenure.

“If courts have to intervene in every matter from the sexual assault of a student to custodial deaths what is the role of the Chief Minister?” Vijay asked pointedly.

He described the state’s leadership style as a "Sorry Ma" model of governance, criticising what he saw as reactive, rather than proactive, responses to public crises.

“The government must act immediately to restore law and order. Empty apologies are not enough,” he said.

As TVK continues to position itself as a people-first party, Vijay’s stance on custodial justice could mark a pivotal moment in his political journey, one that is increasingly rooted in accountability, justice, and public welfare.

Source / Image Credit : The Hindu , NewsX