Crime07 April, 20261 min read
Madurai Court Sentences Nine Police Officers to Death for Torture-Kill
Nine Tamil Nadu police personnel sentenced to death for custodial deaths. P Jayaraj and J Bennix died in Sathankulam custodial deaths in 2020.
Nine Policemen Sentenced
A Madurai court sentenced nine Tamil Nadu police officers to death in the 2020 custodial torture and killing of father-son traders. They had been detained for allegedly keeping their mobile shop open beyond COVID-19 lockdown hours.
The judge said the police did this with the intention of killing. The case had been transferred to the CBI after the Madras High Court took suo motu cognizance.
Judge Condemns Police as Perpetrators
The judge condemned police meant to protect the public becoming perpetrators of brutality. He ordered a combined fine of ₹1.40 crore to the victims' family.
The CBI chargesheet stated Jayaraj had not violated lockdown rules. The assault was described as sustained vengeance after the duo questioned the police action.
One Accused Died, Families Demand Reform
Ten officers were initially arrested; one died of COVID-19 during trial. The case sparked widespread protests and became a political issue.
Rights groups say hundreds die in custody in India every year. The judgment underscored the need for fundamental reforms.