In a worrying trend reflecting the deteriorating law and order situation in Tamil Nadu, four Dalit men have died within a span of two months allegedly due to police violence. Two of the deaths were suicides that activists say occurred after the victims were subjected to custodial torture.
The most recent case in this series is the death of 26-year-old Akash Delison from Sivaganga district, who died after allegedly being brutalised in police custody. His parents have since refused to receive his body and have been protesting, demanding action against the police personnel involved.
Human rights activists argue that the deaths of these men, all belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, point to a disturbing pattern rather than isolated incidents. They say caste prejudice within the policing system continues to make Dalits vulnerable to custodial violence.
The deaths were reported from Thanjavur, Chengalpattu, Ariyalur and Sivaganga districts between January and March 2026, prompting outrage against Chief Minister MK Stalin. It must be noted that Stalin also holds the Home Minister portfolio, responsible for the law and order in the state.