The Dravidian ecosystem has begun targeting Naveen Kumar, the brother of unofficial custodial death victim Ajithkumar, by spreading misleading narratives after he publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the Tamil Nadu government’s so-called compensation package. He criticized the state’s offer, stating that the job and housing plot provided were grossly inadequate and failed to deliver true justice for his brother’s death.
Though the government had promised a proper government job, it only arranged a position through a subsidiary agency under Aavin located nearly 80 kilometers away. Naveen Kumar, who lives with his mother, found it difficult to commute such a long distance. Despite this, he expressed his willingness to accept any government job suited to his qualifications, provided it was within the Madurai region. As for the housing plot, the government appears to have allocated land in a remote and underdeveloped rural area, lacking basic infrastructure.
When questioned by the press on whether he had formally raised these issues with the authorities, Naveen confirmed he had. However, he emphasized that his foremost demand remains justice for his brother’s death something far more important to him than monetary or symbolic compensation.
Speaking to the press in Madurai, Naveen Kumar said, “The party has provided us with financial assistance and land. Additionally, they’ve offered government employment. Till day, I never lived expecting any of this. They simply did it as a gesture, and I’ve accepted it; that’s all. Otherwise, the land is of no use to me, and the job they’ve given me, which is 80 km away, isn’t particularly helpful either. They also gave 5 lakhs. I haven’t relied on anyone until now; it’s always been just my family – my brother and me managed everything. What I truly want is swift justice for the six individuals who attacked. Expediting the CBI transfer and other procedures within 30 days isn’t my primary concern; my priority is seeing them punished as quickly as possible.”
Regarding the government job, he said, “Regarding the (Aavin) job, it’s 80 km away and isn’t a direct government position; it’s under a government-affiliated agency. Therefore, I would prefer a direct government job in Madurai, ideally in a department relevant to my qualifications. While I’m not rejecting the current offer, the distance is a significant issue. I’ve requested a change, and they’ve indicated they will try to arrange it.”
When asked by the press about the three cents of land—specifically whether it was located in a water-scarce, forested area and considered low in value—Naveen Kumar clarified, “It’s not about the valuantion. It’s an undeveloped area. We live in Madapuram, and this land is in a less developed area nearby, closer to Theli.”
A reporter followed up, “So, you’re not satisfied?” To which Naveen responded, “No, I’m not satisfied with the land; it’s practically unusable.” When asked if he intended to appeal to the Chief Minister regarding both the poor quality of the land and the distant job offer, Naveen Kumar replied, “No, I don’t want any of that. I just want justice. My brother suffered immensely before he died, as you may have witnessed.”
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.