Sathankulam case: CBI alters the custodial death case to murder

In the controversial sathankulam case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has altered the FIR of the father and son custodial death to murder, according to reports.

Earlier CB-CID has charge-sheeted 10 police personnel and 5 were arrested including, SI Raghu Ganesh.

Meanwhile, the CBI team camping in the district is held inquiries with prison authorities and doctors at the Kovilpatti Government Headquarters Hospital, where Jayaraj and Bennix were declared dead.

The suspended policemen are sub-inspector Paldurai, head constable Samadurai, and constables Thomas, Chelladurai, and Vail Muthu. They were identified as accused in connection with a case filed by the Kovilpatti East police under Section 176 (1) (1-A) of CrPC following the deaths of Bennix on June 22 night and his father the next morning. The CB-CID team arrested them on July 8.

Thoothukudi SP said suspension of any cop after detention was a normal procedure.

When the CB-CID launched its probe as per directive of the High Court, five officials, including suspended inspector Sridhar, two SIs and two constables attached to Sathankulam station were arrested.

Meanwhile, the CBI team led by Additional Superintendent of Police VK Shukla made an on the spot assessment in Sathankulam police station, where both Jayaraj and his son Bennix allegedly suffered torture at the hands of policemen on June 19, on Sunday evening. Subsequently, the CBI inspected the bazaar area in Sathankulam and also the court in Sathankulam, sources added 

Sources also said SI Raghu Ganesh has been arrayed the first accused while Inspector Sridhar has been arrayed as fourth accused.

However, the CBI officials remained tightlipped about the progress of the probe.