Madurai Court Sentences Nine Police Officers to Death for Torture-Kill

A Madurai court sentenced nine Tamil Nadu police officers to death in the 2020 custodial torture and killing of father-son traders.

“- Published Nine police officers have been sentenced to death in India over the deaths in custody of a father and son in 2020”

BBC

They had been detained for allegedly keeping their mobile shop open beyond COVID-19 lockdown hours.

BBC

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.

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.

Devdiscourse

The CBI chargesheet stated Jayaraj had not violated lockdown rules.

The assault was described as sustained vengeance after the duo questioned the police action.

Ten officers were initially arrested; one died of COVID-19 during trial.

“Sathankulam custodial deaths: 9 cops who tortured and killed father-son duo sentenced to death by court P Jayaraj and J Bennix were assaulted by the convicted cops in Thoothukudi for allegedly keeping their mobile shop open in violation of COVID-19 norms”

Hindustan Times

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.