At first public protest over ‘custodial deaths’, Vijay’s salvo at Stalin govt – ‘Your best answer is Sorry Ma’
Chennai, Tamil Nadu – Actor and political hopeful Vijay publicly criticized the Tamil Nadu government during a protest against recent custodial deaths. This marked the first major demonstration in the state focused on police brutality. His message struck a nerve:
“Your best answer is ‘Sorry Ma’? Is that all her life meant?”
His words quickly went viral, stirring intense debate across Tamil Nadu. Vijay stood before a crowd of citizens, activists, and supporters—his voice filled with emotion and frustration. He didn’t just speak as a celebrity; he spoke as a citizen demanding justice.
The Tragic Spark Behind the Protest
A young man died recently while in police custody in Ramanathapuram district. Officers detained him on minor charges, but his family reported signs of torture. Photos of injuries appeared online, triggering public outrage.
The police claimed a natural death, but citizens weren’t convinced. Many believe this incident mirrors others where families received no justice. This wasn’t an isolated case. Tamil Nadu has reported multiple custodial deaths in the past two years, with few officers held accountable.
Vijay Speaks: From Actor to Activist
At the protest, Vijay appeared without celebrity flair. Dressed simply, he addressed the crowd with controlled anger.
“If Tamil Nadu is truly a model state, why are people dying in custody?” he asked.
“If this can happen to one person, it can happen to anyone.”
He emphasized that fame gave him a platform, but his duty was to speak for those who can’t. Vijay’s words reflected the grief and helplessness of victims’ families. His line, “Sorry Ma is not justice”, echoed through the gathering and across social media.
Public Support Grows
Following Vijay’s protest, hashtags like #JusticeForCustodialVictims and #VijayForThePeople flooded Twitter and Instagram. Citizens praised his courage. Activists welcomed his willingness to speak up about an issue many politicians avoid.
“This is what leadership looks like. Not silence, not damage control—just truth,” said Kavitha Ramesh, a Chennai-based human rights lawyer.
Many believe this protest could shape Vijay’s political journey. As he prepares to launch his political party in 2026, his focus on justice and accountability may win him public trust.
Government Reaction: Still No Real Response
Despite public attention, the DMK-led government has not issued a strong statement. Some party members dismissed the protest as a publicity stunt. Others avoided the topic altogether.
Opposition leaders, including BJP’s K. Annamalai, used the moment to target the ruling party.
“It’s shameful that it took an actor to remind this government of its duty,” he said in a post.
So far, the Chief Minister has remained silent on the issue, drawing further criticism from activists and opposition parties alike.
A Deeply Rooted Problem
Custodial deaths are not new in India. Tamil Nadu often appears in national reports for such cases. A 2023 study by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative showed that prosecutions remain rare. Even fewer officers face conviction.
Why? Because systemic flaws remain unchecked. Police lack proper training in non-violent handling. Internal investigations often shield guilty officers. And victims’ families struggle for years in courts without closure.
Vijay’s Demands Reflect Public Sentiment
Vijay used his platform to propose real reforms. He urged the state to:
- Install body cameras in all custody cells
- Create independent investigation boards for custodial deaths
- Train police in humane interrogation methods
- Set up fast-track courts for police abuse cases
“If we don’t fix this now, we’ll only see more deaths,” he warned.
A Turning Point for Tamil Nadu?
Vijay’s protest may not bring instant change, but it set the stage for broader discussions. People listened because he didn’t speak like a politician—he sounded like a citizen fed up with inaction.
Many are now watching to see whether the government responds with real measures—or continues with silence.
If this protest was just a glimpse of Vijay’s political future, he may soon become a major force in Tamil Nadu’s public life.
