CHENNAI — A high-intensity political face-off has erupted in Tamil Nadu following the alleged custodial death of a 35-year-old specially-abled man, Sabari Varman, in Kanniyakumari district. The opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, demanding accountability and questioning his sudden silence on the issue.
The controversy is fueled by a sharp political irony: just days before the incident, CM Vijay had led major public protests attacking the previous DMK regime over lock-up deaths.
The Incident: Death of Sabari Varman
Sabari Varman, a grocery shop owner with a mild physical disability, was arrested by the South Thamaraikulam police on July 9, 2026, for allegedly selling 200 grams of banned gutkha.
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Custodial Demise: Lodged at the Nagercoil sub-jail, Varman was declared dead on arrival at a local government hospital on Monday morning, July 13.
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The Autopsy Revelation: While prison authorities initially claimed Varman died of a sudden cardiac arrest, family members protested and blocked roads, alleging torture. A subsequent post-mortem examination ordered by the court revealed 19 external injuries on his body, including a fractured arm.
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Immediate Action: Following an examination of the prison’s CCTV footage, police confirmed an altercation had taken place. Chief Jail Warden Suresh and two other wardens (Jegen and Sivakumar) were arrested and placed under suspension.
DMK’s Offensive: “Why Silent Now?”
Armed with the autopsy findings, the DMK has targeted Chief Minister Vijay, who directly holds the state’s Home portfolio overseeing the police and law and order.
Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin slammed the government, raising questions about police high-handedness and double standards.
“We Don’t Want Reels, We Want Justice”
DMK leaders quickly reminded the public of CM Vijay’s past rhetoric. Just days prior, Vijay had protested a custodial death under DMK’s rule, famously telling the then-CM, “Sir, we don’t want your apology, we want justice.”
Recalling those words, DMK leaders retorted: “Today, the people of Tamil Nadu are telling Vijay, ‘We don’t want reels, we want justice.'”
Allegations of Double Standards
The DMK has also accused the CM’s administration of selective law enforcement.
According to opposition statements, while Sabari Varman faced fatal consequences in custody for a minor gutkha offense, a functionary of the CM’s own political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), who was arrested on identical charges in Erode, was reportedly released on personal bail the very same day.
With the investigation now underway and the prison staff behind bars, all eyes remain on the Chief Minister’s office for an official response to the opposition’s heavy offensive.
