In a strong statement, 75 human rights activists and members from various organizations have condemned the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government over a rising number of alleged extrajudicial killings. The joint statement criticizes the growing trend of police shooting suspects after arrest—calling it a dangerous form of authoritarianism. The signatories highlighted that 21 people have been killed in 19 police encounters under the current regime.
Allegations of Fake Encounters
The statement cites several incidents in March and April 2025 where individuals were fatally shot by the police after arrest:
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March 18: Three murder suspects killed in Erode.
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March 19: Mohammed Tawfiq (alias Krishnamoorthy) shot in Tirunelveli.
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March 20: Stephen killed in Chidambaram.
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March 23: Ponvannan shot in Theni.
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March 25: Jafar Ghulam Hussain killed in Chennai.
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March 28: Ashok killed in the forests of Chengalpattu.
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March 31: Subhash Chandra Bose shot in Madurai.
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April 1: 19-year-old Mutta Vijay killed in Cuddalore.
According to the statement, at least six suspects were shot after arrest in recent weeks, and three died in police custody. While acknowledging the importance of prosecuting those involved in crimes, the signatories emphasized that only courts—not the police—can deliver justice.
Concerns Over Abuse of Power
The joint statement accuses the Tamil Nadu police of operating with impunity, especially during the legislative session, a period when law enforcement is typically more restrained due to public scrutiny. Instead, the activists allege that the DMK regime has enabled a surge in police brutality and human rights violations, including staged encounters and custodial abuse.
The statement warns that unchecked police violence threatens the rule of law and could erode public trust in democratic institutions. The silence of both opposition parties and ruling coalition partners in the Assembly has further fueled concerns.
The signatories argue that using the police as an extrajudicial force undermines democracy and risks setting a dangerous precedent. Tamil Nadu, which aspires to model progressive politics, now faces accusations of sanctioning state-sponsored violence.
They urge the state to reject retaliatory violence as a method to control crime. While countries around the world are moving away from capital punishment, Tamil Nadu police appear to be bypassing legal procedures altogether.
Demands for Action and Transparency
The statement calls on the authorities to take immediate and transparent action by suspending and prosecuting police officers involved in encounter killings. It further urges that investigations be entrusted to judicial magistrates to ensure impartiality and transparency. The State Human Rights Commission is encouraged to independently take up these cases, while the State Legal Aid Authority is urged to initiate suo motu proceedings under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, thereby reinforcing accountability and access to justice.
Political Inaction by DMK
The activists reminded the public of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s earlier assurances after the 2022 custodial death of Vignesh in Chennai, where he pledged an end to police brutality. They call on Stalin to directly intervene and uphold this commitment. Failing which, they warned, public protests and people’s movements may intensify across the state to demand justice and democratic accountability.
Among the 75 signatories are prominent voices like S.V. Rajadurai, Kolathur Mani, Nellai Mubarak, Thirumurugan Gandhi, A. Marx, Christina Samy, Sudha Ramalingam, and Prabha Kalvi Mani.
(With Inputs From Vikatan)
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