People’s Watch expresses concern over surge in custodial torture cases

Updated - August 25, 2026 06:22 pm IST

People’s Watch, a human rights organisation based in Madurai, has expressed concern over the surge in custodial torture and death cases under the current administration.

Its Executive Director Henri Tiphagne said eight custodial death cases had been reported inTamil Nadu within the completion of 100 days in office by the TVK-led government. In July alone, three custodial death cases had been reported. Last year, TVK leader C. Joseph Vijay spoke out against police violence. However, custodial deaths had increased since Mr. Vijay assumed office as Chief Minister.

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State and the District Legal Services Authorities, State and District Police Complaints Authorities, and the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission remained silent. “This situation is dangerous for our society,” he said.

The Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission had not taken suo motu cognisance of any of the recent cases since the TVK-led government came to power. Two member positions in SHRC and the post of Chairperson of the State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes remained vacant.

He requested MLAs to raise the issues when the police demand for grants comes up for debate on September 3.

Published - August 22, 2026 11:13 pm IST

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