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A court in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has sentenced nine police officers to a “double death penalty” for the custodial deaths of two individuals.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, 58-year-old businessman P Jayaraj and his 38-year-old son Benix were arrested by police in Sathankulam, Tuticorin district. They had been accused of violating lockdown rules by allegedly allowing a mobile phone shop to remain open.
On Monday, the judge at the Madurai court ruled that Jayaraj and his son were stripped naked and brutally beaten in jail with the intent to kill, holding the police officers responsible for misuse of power.
The case reignited debate in India over police brutality. Human rights organizations state that hundreds die in police custody annually and suspected individuals are routinely subjected to torture during interrogations.
Earlier this year, United Nations experts called on India to reform its police system to comply with human rights standards.
What We Know About This Case
The sentenced officers were previously convicted of murder charges earlier this week.
They have the right to appeal the verdict.
Jayaraj and Benix were initially taken to a local police station on June 19, 2020, after being beaten, and then sent to Kovilpatti prison on June 21. Benix died on June 22, with Jayaraj passing away the following morning.
Public outrage over police misconduct spread throughout Tamil Nadu once the incident came to light. Opposition lawmakers protested and demanded accountability.
High-profile figures including political leader Rahul Gandhi and cricketer Shikhar Dhawan expressed their calls for justice on social media.
The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court ordered the police to provide a report on the investigation, which was handled by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Ten police officers, including inspector Sridhar from Sathankulam, were arrested on charges of assault and murder; one of the accused died due to COVID.
The CBI filed a 2,427-page charge sheet against the surviving officers. The case was heard in the First Additional Sessions Court in Madurai, which rejected bail applications.
Judge’s Remarks When Delivering the Verdict
Before delivering the sentence, Judge Muthukumaran issued strong remarks.
“They beat these two individuals with the intent to kill. When asked what punishment should be given, the central government recommended the harshest possible; the Tamil Nadu government also demanded maximum penalty.”
The judge stated that the incident constituted a “complete violation of human dignity” and the court could not disregard it. The victims were killed while trying to open a mobile shop during the COVID pandemic. The Madras High Court took note that the case might have become outdated had it not been heard promptly.
“Cruel assault on unarmed people is inexcusable. Their age or family background cannot be considered to lessen the punishment. All are educated police officers who are meant to protect the public, but they committed such a heinous act akin to destroying crops by flood.”
The judge expressed sorrow over the incident and acknowledged that no one could lessen the pain of Benix’s mother, saying, “One family has been destroyed, and life imprisonment would not be adequate.”
Delivering the verdict, he added, “Some may think they might get released after 14 years, but the court is not prepared to grant such leniency.”
All nine accused, including the main defendant, were sentenced to double death sentences, alongside varying jail terms from one to seven years on different charges, with a combined fine of INR 7,638,000.
The court also expressed hope that such incidents would not recur.
Family of the Deceased Speaks
Image source, Handout
Following the sentencing, Benix’s sister stated, “In 2020, in the guise of interrogation, my father and brother were mercilessly killed. After six years, we believed we would receive justice, and today that justice has been served.”
She expressed that justice has been won not just for their family but for the general public as well.
“We wish that no other family experiences such pain. If the accused appeal, we will pursue justice through the courts until the very end.”
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