Four Dalits die in two months in Tamil Nadu; activists flag pattern of custodial violence

Four Dalit men have died in police custody within a span of two months. Activists allege custodial torture and say the deaths reflect a disturbing pattern of caste prejudice within policing.

In a worrying trend reflecting the deteriorating law and order situation in Tamil Nadu, four Dalit men have died within a span of two months allegedly due to police violence. Two of the deaths were suicides that activists say occurred after the victims were subjected to custodial torture.

The most recent case in this series is the death of 26-year-old Akash Delison from Sivaganga district, who died after allegedly being brutalised in police custody. His parents have since refused to receive his body and have been protesting, demanding action against the police personnel involved.

Human rights activists argue that the deaths of these men, all belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, point to a disturbing pattern rather than isolated incidents. They say caste prejudice within the policing system continues to make Dalits vulnerable to custodial violence.

The deaths were reported from Thanjavur, Chengalpattu, Ariyalur and Sivaganga districts between January and March 2026, prompting outrage against Chief Minister MK Stalin. It must be noted that Stalin also holds the Home Minister portfolio, responsible for the law and order in the state.

Thanjavur suicide case

Vijayakumar (31), a resident of Aaduthurai in Thanjavur district, died by suicide on February 4. He was summoned by the Kapisthalam police station on January 14 for questioning in connection with a theft case.

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‘Culture of custodial deaths continued in DMK regime’

According to Human rights activist Henri Tiphagne, executive director of People’s Watch, a total of 27 custodial deaths have been reported under the DMK government. 

“I cannot and do not want to hold a government solely responsible for custodial deaths. However, the culture of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu has continued under the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government. What started in 2021 has continued until 2026 with a tally of 27 different persons who have died in police custody,” he said. 

In July, TNM had reported that Tamil Nadu recorded 27 deaths in police custody over the past five years. While there is no updated official count, concerns over custodial violence and deaths continue to persist in the state.