Madurai Court Set to Pronounce Judgement in 2020 Sathankulam Custodial Death Case on March 23
The first additional district and sessions court in Madurai is scheduled to deliver its verdict on March 23 in the highly publicized case concerning the custodial deaths of P Jeyaraj and his son, J Beniks. This tragic incident occurred in Sathankulam, located within the Tuticorin district, back in 2020, sparking nationwide outrage and demands for police accountability.
Background of the Case and Key Details
Judge G Muthukumaran has officially posted the case for judgement on the specified date, marking a critical juncture in this prolonged legal battle. The events unfolded on June 19, 2020, when the father-son duo was apprehended by the Sathankulam police. Following their detention, they were subjected to severe and brutal assault at the police station that very night. Subsequently, they were transferred to the Kovilpatti sub-jail the following day.
Tragically, Beniks succumbed to his injuries on June 22, 2020, with his father, Jeyaraj, passing away the next morning. These deaths highlighted grave concerns over police misconduct and custodial violence in India.
Arrests and Investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation
In response to the incident, ten policemen were arrested and are currently under suspension. The accused include inspector Sridhar, sub-inspectors Balakrishnan and Raghu Ganesh, head constables Murugan and A Samadurai, and constables M Muthuraja, S Chelladurai, X Thomas Francis, S Vailmuthu, and SSI Paldurai. All were lodged at Madurai Central Prison, with Paldurai later dying due to Covid-19 complications.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case and, after a thorough investigation, filed a chargesheet against nine of the policemen on September 25, 2020. A supplementary chargesheet was submitted on August 12, 2022, further detailing the evidence and allegations.
Revelations from the CBI Investigation
The CBI's investigation uncovered disturbing details about the case. According to their findings, Jeyaraj was initially detained at the police station. When Beniks arrived to inquire about the reason for his father's detention, a scuffle ensued between him and the policemen. Inspector Sridhar intervened, instructing other officers to teach Beniks a lesson on "how to behave with police".
Both Jeyaraj and Beniks were then subjected to multiple rounds of torture, with their clothes removed to intensify the brutality. In an attempt to destroy evidence, Sridhar allegedly directed a sweeper to clean the floor of the main hall and other areas at the police station the next morning. Additionally, blood-stained clothes were changed twice before the victims were taken to the hospital, and their attire was altered again at the hospital prior to their remand proceedings. All these clothes were reportedly dumped in the hospital dustbin to conceal evidence.
Furthermore, the CBI revealed that Jeyaraj and Beniks did not violate any lockdown norms, and there was no altercation between them and police officials at Kamarajar Salai in Sathankulam on the evening of June 19. The investigation concluded that a false case had been registered against them, underscoring the malicious intent behind their detention and subsequent torture.
As the court prepares to deliver its judgement, this case remains a poignant reminder of the need for justice and reform in policing practices to prevent such atrocities in the future.
