Chennai, July 15:
Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday condemned the alleged custodial death of Sabarivarman in Nagercoil and demanded stringent action against the police personnel involved.
Referring to the police version, he said the department had maintained that Sabarivarman was in good health at the time of arrest and fell ill only after enquiry. However, citing the victim’s family, he alleged that Sabarivarman, a person with disability, was assaulted while in custody.
“Sabarivarman’s family is protesting, alleging that he was beaten by police despite being a person with disability. The Chief Minister must respond appropriately,” he said.
The DMK leader urged the State government to initiate immediate action against those responsible. He further accused the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government of applying “different standards” in law enforcement.
Drawing a comparison, he pointed to the recent release of a TVK functionary in a gutka-related case in Erode on station bail the same day, while Sabarivarman died in custody.
“The Chief Minister, who holds the Home portfolio, must answer these allegations,” he added.