CHENNAI: Slamming the ruling DMK government over an alleged rise in custodial deaths, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said the death of a remand prisoner, Dravida Mani, in the Tiruchy Central Prison is an ominous sign.
The AIADMK general secretary demanded the government to order a thorough probe into the inmate's death.
M Dravida Mani (40), a resident of Ondriyam Pallur, was arrested on September 26 by Jeeyapuram police for reportedly selling IFML liquor bottles in the open market for a higher price. He died two days later in the central prison.
"Custodial deaths have become a recurring theme under the present regime," the former Chief Minister said in his post on social media platform 'X' on Tuesday and came down heavily on Chief Minister MK Stalin, who holds the Home Ministry portfolio.
Alleging that Stalin’s attention was focused on promoting his political heir (Udhayanidhi Stalin) in the party and the government, referring to Udhayanidhi's elevation as Deputy Chief Minister, Palaniswami demanded an impartial probe into the death of Dravida Mani. He also urged the government to announce solatium to his family.