Sathankulam custodial deaths: In a landmark judgment, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday sentenced nine Tamil Nadu police personnel to death in connection with the 2020 Sathankulam custodial deaths. The court described the incident as a “rarest of rare” case, citing extreme brutality and gross misuse of authority.

Presiding Judge G Muthukumaran held all nine accused guilty of murder and other related charges in the deaths of trader P Jayaraj (59) and his son J Benniks (31). The court upheld the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) argument that the violence inflicted was deliberate, sustained and warranted the harshest punishment under law.

Who are the convicted officers?

Those sentenced include an inspector, two sub-inspectors, two head constables  and four constables. Another accused, a special sub-inspector, had died during the trial due to Covid-19.

Arrest over lockdown violation led to tragedy

The incident dates back to June 19, 2020, when Jayaraj was detained for allegedly keeping his mobile accessories shop open beyond permitted hours during Covid-19 restrictions. His son Benniks later went to the police station after learning about the detention.

What followed inside the Sathankulam police station, investigators said, was hours of brutal custodial assault.

Severe torture inside police station

According to the chargesheet and medical reports, both victims were subjected to repeated physical assault throughout the night. They were allegedly stripped and beaten with batons while being restrained, leaving them unable to protect themselves.

The judicial magistrate documented at least 18 major injuries on their bodies. Medical experts later confirmed that Benniks died due to complications arising from blunt-force trauma suffered during the torture.

Reports also indicated that the victims’ clothes were repeatedly soaked in blood due to the severity of the injuries.

Plea ignored, brutality continued

Investigators noted that Jayaraj had pleaded with officers to stop, citing his health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Despite this, the assault allegedly continued without pause. The victims were also reportedly forced to clean up their own blood, while evidence such as blood-stained clothing was discarded.

Attempt to destroy evidence

The probe further revealed that the accused officers tried to cover up the crime by registering a fabricated case. There were also attempts to destroy or withhold crucial evidence.

During the investigation, some officers allegedly resisted handing over key items like batons, while others attempted to evade scrutiny. Authorities also found instances of intimidation directed at the judicial team.

Deaths in custody sparked nationwide outrage

Jayaraj and Benniks died on June 22 and 23, 2020, respectively, while in judicial custody at Kovilpatti sub-jail. Their deaths triggered widespread anger across the country. The CBI concluded that the accused acted with a shared intent and inflicted injuries fully aware of their potentially fatal consequences. The court agreed with this assessment, observing that the brutality was not incidental but systematic and intentional.