A court in Madurai on Monday convicted nine police personnel in connection with the 2020 custodial deaths of P Jayaraj and his son J Benicks. The quantum of punishment will be decided on March 30. The duo was arrested during the COVID-19 lockdown for allegedly keeping their shop open beyond permitted hours, a claim later found to be false.
They were subjected to brutal custodial torture at the Sattankulam Police Station before being remanded to judicial custody. Despite visible injuries, they were sent to jail and later died in hospital within days, sparking nationwide outrage.
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The case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation following intervention by the Madras High Court. The family has welcomed the verdict, calling it a significant step towards justice, while rights activists termed it a strong message against custodial violence in the country.
