In Tamil Nadu, a temple guard’s death after police questioning snowballs into political row, demands for Stalin’s resignation

Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu – June 30, 2025:
What began as a routine police inquiry has now spiraled into a massive political storm in Tamil Nadu. The death of 52-year-old Arumugam, a temple security guard from Tiruvannamalai district, after being questioned by the police, has shocked the state and reignited debates around custodial violence, police accountability, and political responsibility. As protests spread and tempers flare, opposition parties are now demanding the resignation of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accusing the ruling DMK government of turning a blind eye to police excesses.

The Incident That Sparked Outrage

Arumugam, a long-time employee of the Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple, was reportedly picked up by the local police on June 28 following the theft of a few antique items from the temple’s inner sanctum. Police sources claim he was only brought in for “routine questioning.” However, Arumugam’s family paints a different picture.

According to his wife Lakshmi and their two sons, Arumugam returned home late in the evening, physically battered and emotionally broken. “He was trembling, covered in bruises, and said the police beat him and threatened to throw him in jail if he didn’t confess,” Lakshmi told local media. The next morning, Arumugam collapsed and was rushed to the government hospital. Doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Preliminary reports suggest internal bleeding and blunt-force trauma, raising serious concerns about custodial torture.

Family and Locals Demand Justice

Following his death, Arumugam’s family has refused to accept the body or conduct final rites. They have demanded a second autopsy and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. “We want justice, not compensation,” said Lakshmi. “My husband was innocent. They killed him for a crime he didn’t commit.”

The incident has enraged the local community. Hundreds gathered outside the police station, shouting slogans and holding placards that read “Justice for Arumugam” and “Stop Custodial Killings.” Local shops downed shutters in solidarity, and several roads in Tiruvannamalai saw flash protests over the weekend.

Political Fallout: Opposition Turns Up the Heat

The tragedy quickly turned political, with opposition leaders attacking the Stalin-led DMK government for fostering a culture of impunity within the police force.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami said, “The DMK government is directly responsible for this death. Stalin talks about social justice, but his police are torturing the poor. He must resign.”

BJP’s Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai visited Arumugam’s family and slammed the government’s inaction. “If this had happened under our rule, Stalin would’ve sat on a hunger strike by now. Why the silence?” he asked, demanding a CBI investigation.

The PMK, known for its strong presence in northern Tamil Nadu, has also joined the chorus for justice. “This is not just a custodial death. It’s a systemic failure. How many more Arumugams before the government acts?” asked PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss.

Government on the Defensive

Faced with rising public anger and political backlash, the DMK government has scrambled to contain the situation. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed “deep regret” over the incident and ordered a judicial inquiry headed by a retired High Court judge.

“The government will not protect anyone responsible for Arumugam’s death. If any officer is found guilty, strict action will follow,” Stalin said in a brief press release.

The government has also suspended the inspector and sub-inspector involved in the case, pending the inquiry. Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) Shankar Jiwal has been directed to personally oversee the investigation.

However, critics argue that these steps are too little, too late. “Every time there’s a custodial death, the script is the same—suspension, inquiry, then silence,” said human rights activist Revathi Ramesh.

A Pattern of Abuse?

Tamil Nadu has a troubling history of custodial violence. The 2020 Sathankulam father-son custodial deaths in Thoothukudi district had sparked national outrage, with calls for police reform. That case had led to the arrest of several police personnel, but activists say not much has changed on the ground.

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Tamil Nadu ranks among the top states in custodial deaths. Experts blame a combination of poor oversight, lack of accountability, and a deep-rooted culture of coercive interrogation.

“Unless there’s an independent police complaints authority with real teeth, these tragedies will continue,” said former IPS officer Kiran Bedi in a televised interview.

Protests Escalate Across the State

Student unions, civil rights groups, and opposition party workers held demonstrations in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai on Monday. The Lawyers’ Forum for Social Justice announced a state-wide boycott of courts on July 2 in protest.

Online, hashtags such as #JusticeForArumugam, #CustodialTorture, and #ResignStalin trended throughout the day, with netizens demanding systemic change.

What Lies Ahead

As Tamil Nadu braces for possible statewide protests, the ruling DMK faces a crucial test. With assembly elections still a few years away, the government’s handling of this crisis could define its legacy on human rights and law enforcement.

For Arumugam’s grieving family, however, political point-scoring offers little comfort. “He went to work and never came back,” said Lakshmi, her voice choking with grief. “We just want the truth to come out.”