Tamil Nadu court convicts nine policemen in custodial torture deaths of father‑son duo

In a landmark verdict on Monday, the First Additional District and Sessions Court here held all nine accused policemen guilty for custodial torture that led to the deaths of a father and son in Sathankulam of Thoothukudi district in June 2020, a case that sparked widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu and nationally. Judge G Muthukumaran ruled that the prosecution has proven its case , and said the quantum of sentence for the convicted officers will be pronounced on March 30.

On June 19, 2020, 59‑year‑old mobile shop owner P Jayaraj and his 31‑year‑old son J Bennix were arrested by police in Sathankulam for allegedly violating COVID‑19 lockdown regulations by keeping their shop open beyond permitted hours. Eyewitnesses and investigations later revealed that both men were subjected to hours of beating, torture and abuse while in custody, with allegations that police volunteers and officers inflicted severe physical and sexual assault using batons before they were remanded to Kovilpatti sub‑jail, where Bennix died on June 22 and Jayaraj on June 23 following serious internal injuries.

The incident triggered widespread protests by local traders and residents, who shut shops and demanded justice, and attracted intense media coverage and social media campaigns, with celebrities, activists and political figures condemning the brutality. The matter drew suo motu attention from the Madras High Court and triggered inquiries by human rights bodies.

Initially investigated by the state CB‑CID, the case was later taken over by the CBI , which filed chargesheets against the accused officers under multiple sections of the IPC including murder, wrongful confinement and criminal conspiracy. One accused, Special Sub‑Inspector Pauldurai, died during the proceedings, while the rest remained in Madurai Central Prison throughout the nearly six‑year trial.

The conviction marks a significant moment in India’s ongoing struggle against custodial brutality, highlighting longstanding concerns about police accountability and human rights protections.