In a significant ruling, the First Additional District and Sessions Court in Madurai found nine police officers guilty of the murder of P. Jayaraj and J. Bennix, a father-son duo in Sathankulam in 2020. The court determined that the officers were responsible for the custodial torture that resulted in the tragic deaths of the victims. Sentencing is scheduled for March 30, with the court requesting detailed reports on the convicted officers’ health, salaries, and assets from both the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government.
The case stems from June 2020 when Jayaraj and Bennix, who operated a mobile accessories shop, were allegedly detained by the Sathankulam police for violating lockdown regulations. Following their arrest on June 19, the duo faced brutal treatment at the police station. Bennix passed away on June 22, while Jayaraj died the next day, sparking widespread condemnation of custodial violence. The incident, initially probed by the Tamil Nadu Police, was later handed over to the CBI for a thorough investigation to ensure fairness.
The court dismissed claims that the victims’ injuries were self-inflicted, citing autopsy reports that indicated severe and repeated physical abuse. It also clarified that Jayaraj’s pre-existing heart condition did not cause his death, emphasizing that both fatalities resulted directly from the custodial torture inflicted upon them. This verdict is viewed as a crucial move towards ensuring accountability for police misconduct.
