Sathankulam Shocker: Kanimozhi seeks NHRC probe into custodial deaths

Thoothukudi

The ruling AIADMK and the Opposition DMK in the state on Friday announced Rs 25 lakh each as solatium to the families of father-son duo who died in judicial custody allegedly due to police excesses in Thoothukudi district two days ago.

Meanwhile, DMK Lok Sabha member from Thoothukudi Kanimozhi demanded a probe by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) into the custodial deaths of father and son at Sathankulam.

In a joint statement here, AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam and Joint coordinator Edappadi K Palaniswami termed the custodial deaths as unfortunate and offered their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, which had lost their two pillars— father Jayaraj and son Bennix. They also announced an assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, DMK president MK Stalin also announced Rs 25 lakh financial aid to the family. In a statement, he said such incidents involving policemen were worse than the coronavirus pandemic. “Those involved in this inhumane act should be punished as per law,” he said. “We are expecting the post-mortem report,” Stalin said, adding, that the DMK would support all legal options to bring to justice to them.

He also demanded stringent punishment to those involved in the incident and said the Chief Minister should take responsibility for the incident.

In a related development, Kanimozhi dashed off a letter to the NHRC seeking a probe against the police personnel and others who were responsible for the alleged custodial deaths of the father and son.

“As such there is overwhelming direct and corroborative evidence that the police officials, the Magistrate who ordered remand, the medical officials who should have checked the health and physical fitness of Jayaraj and Bennix have collectively failed in discharging their duties,” Kanimozhi said.

Observing that from mere perusal of the facts and circumstances, it could be seen that the police disregarded basic human rights, including the right to life and dignity as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution, she said the police also violated the guidelines for arrest as laid down by the Supreme Court and demanded a probe into it.