Vijay's massive show of strength; Thousands swarm capital city to protest against Sivaganga custodial murder

CHENNAI: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) conducted a strong protest involving locals against the horrific custodial death in Sivaganga. The party had earlier summoned workers from various districts to reach Chennai to protest. However, TVK workers were stopped and arrested by the police at the district borders while on their way to the protest site.

The police arrested and removed activists from nearby districts like Kanchipuram, Vellore, and Chengalpattu without permitting them to come to Chennai. This incident was enough for TVK cadres to claim that the current DMK was afraid of Vijay and his instant impact in politics. After the death of a young man named Ajithkumar in Sivaganga, Chief Minister MK Stalin had called the victim’s family and apologised.

TVK activists raised placards saying they want justice, not an apology. More than 23 custodial deaths have occurred in Tamil Nadu since Stalin became the Chief Minister. TVK says that they are demanding justice for the deceased victims.

This is Vijay’s first public protest after he entered politics. Vijay came to the protest wearing black clothes and holding a placard. Ajith Kumar, a security guard at the Madhapuram temple, died in police custody last month. Vijay had met with the victim's family in person at the TVK headquarters yesterday. He promised the family to fight for justice. Political observers see this protest as a show of strength by Vijay.