Father-son custody deaths spark protest in Sathankulam

Thirunelveli

The deceased were identified as Bennix (31), a bachelor, and his father Jeyaraj (58) of Sathankulam. They owned a mobile phone shop near the bus stand. They had been arrested by Sathankulam police on June 20 following a disagreement between both parties. The cops had entered the shop, asking them to close as it was still open post the 8 pm deadline because of the pandemic lockdown measures. Sources alleged that the policemen misbehaved with the duo, which also led to a scuffle. Initially, Jeyaraj was picked up by the police and after he did not return home, his son Bennix approached the Sathankulam station, where he was also detained. After being arrested on charges under Sections 353 and 506 (ii) of the IPC, they were remanded in judicial custody on June 20 and lodged in the Kovilpatti sub-jail thereafter. Sources alleged that the father and son were severely physically assaulted at the police station, owing to which they died.

Meanwhile, Bennix complained of chest pain on Monday evening and was admitted to the Kovilpatti Government Headquarters Hospital but he died a few hours later. His father Jeyaraj, who had fever, was also admitted to the same hospital and died on Tuesday. Thoothukudi District Collector Sandeep Nanduri, SP Arun Balagopalan and Revenue officials arrived at the scene and had to pacify the crowd. After conducting enquiries, Nanduri said the two SIs were placed under suspension and demands of the aggrieved relatives for a government job to a family member and compensation would be represented to the State government.

The Sathankulam Inspector and other personnel have since been transferred and a magisterial inquiry would be ordered and case filed in connection with the incident, sources added. Traders too joined the protest and vowed to keep establishments closed.

Videograph post-mortem of deceased: Madurai Bench
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday ordered that the post-mortem examinations of the deceased be videographed, adding, that the autopsy has to be conducted in the presence of a three-member medical team. A petition was filed in this regard by Selvarani, wife of the deceased Jeyaraj, before Justice B Pugalendhi.