Enact law against custodial torture on anti-Sterlite anniversary: NGO to CM

Madurai: Human rights NGO People's Watch has urged chief minister C Joseph Vijay to enact a special law against custodial torture during the 8th anniversary of the police firing on anti-Sterlite protesters in Tuticorin on May 22.Addressing the media on Wednesday, executive director of People's Watch, Henri Tiphagne emphasised that since the chief minister also holds the home department portfolio, he bears a direct responsibility to reform the police force and ensure accountability.The organisation specifically highlighted the 8th anniversary of the police firing, noting that despite three subsequent election cycles, the 16 lives lost and the families affected are yet to see complete justice.While the DMK govt tabled the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan Commission of Inquiry report, People's Watch alleged that criminal action against the 21 indicted police and revenue officials has stalled.He also noted that several indicted officials have retired with full benefits while departmental proceedings remain incomplete. He demanded the immediate registration of criminal cases and the withdrawal of cases against protesters by May 22.He also demanded the establishment of exclusive special courts for custodial death trials and the enactment of a new state-specific law against custodial torture.People's Watch further pressed for the immediate disbursement of pending compensation to 28 families who lost members to custodial violence, insisting on a time-bound investigation and trial process to ensure a torture-free Tamil Nadu.