Human rights activist Henri Tiphagne has alleged custodial torture and raised serious questions over the death of a youth identified as Vibhi alias Punithan, claiming it was the 24th custodial death since the DMK assumed office.
Detailing the sequence of events, Tiphagne said, “Ever since the DMK has come to power, this is the 24th custodial death that has occurred. A man named Vibhi alias Punithan from Koodameri, Tambaram, was arrested by 3 policemen in mufti on 13 February 2026, Friday at 630AM from his home.”
He further stated, “That evening, they get a certificate/approval clearing him to be taken into custody, from Chromepet Hospital. Following that, he is admitted at Puzhal prison that evening at 6PM. The magistrate who ordered the magistrate is a question we must ask.”
Raising concerns about the prisoner’s medical condition, Tiphagne alleged, “At Puzhal prison, after seeing the injuries on his body, the swelling on his hands, the injuries on his legs below his knees, the injuries on the soles of his feet, he was refused admission at Puzhal prison and was sent to Stanley hospital.”
He added, “At Stanley, he was prepared for admission for treatment. But instead of keeping him under custody there, he is taken at 8PM once again to Puzhal prison by the doctors. What kind of doctors are they?”
According to Tiphagne, the man’s condition deteriorated days later. He said, “On the 18th, once again his health is not good at Puzhal prison so his brother Gopinath receives information that he is being taken to Stanley Hospital for treatment. On 19th, we hear that he passed away.”
Tiphagne described the deceased as belonging to the Scheduled Caste community and alleged custodial torture. He said, “He is a youngster from the SC community. He is the victim of yet another brutal police torture under DMK government.”
He also questioned senior police leadership, stating, “Will Amalraj IPS of Tambaram Commissionerate answer? Is this your leadership trait? This is a torture that has taken place without any prior intimation by the Shankarnagar police station that comes under your purview.”
Calling for wider accountability, Tiphagne said, “Who is the magistrate who permitted his remand? Who are the doctors who certified him fit for being remanded? It is our responsibility to add them to the case.”
தாம்பரம், சங்கர் நகர் போலீசார் சித்திரவதையால் பெபி என்ற புனிதன் மரணம் – தி.மு.க ஆட்சியில் 24வது காவல் மரணம் – தாம்பரம் போலீஸ் கமிஷனர் திரு. அமல்ராஜ் பொறுப்பேற்பாரா?@CMOTamilnadu @tnpoliceoffl @COPTBM @EPSTamilNadu @tncpim @cpimspeak @velichamtvtamil @thirumaofficial @PttvNewsX… pic.twitter.com/OVFOCWsLxd
— Henri Tiphagne (@Tiphagne) February 20, 2026
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