Historical Sathankulam Case Verdict: 9 Policemen Sentenced to Death

MADURAI – In a historic judgment that addresses one of India’s most harrowing instances of police brutality, a district court in Madurai on Monday awarded the death penalty to nine police personnel for the 2020 custodial deaths of P. Jayaraj and his son J. Benicks.

The verdict, delivered nearly six years after the incident in the Sathankulam district, marks a significant moment for judicial accountability regarding the abuse of police power in Tamil Nadu.

The Verdict: “Rarest of Rare” Abuse of Authority

Presiding Judge G. Muthukumaran categorized the custodial torture as a “rarest of rare” case, warranting the maximum penalty. The court’s observations were scathing, highlighting that the victims were “stripped and ruthlessly assaulted” as an act of personal vendetta.

Addressing the defense’s argument regarding police pressure, the court noted:

“Those who receive public money as salary cannot cite stress as a reason for such acts. This was a clear instance of the abuse of authority that shudders the heart.”

List of Convicted Police Personnel

The court handed down the death sentence to the following nine individuals, formerly stationed at the Sathankulam Police Station:

• S. Sridhar (Inspector)
• K. Balakrishnan (Sub-Inspector)
• P. Raghu Ganesh (Sub-Inspector)
• S. Murugan (Head Constable)
• A. Samadurai (Head Constable)
• M. Muthuraja (Constable)
• S. Chelladurai (Constable)
• X. Thomas Francis (Constable)
• S. Veilumuthu (Constable)

A tenth accused, Special Sub-Inspector Pauldurai, passed away during the trial due to COVID-19 complications.

Background: The Sathankulam Custodial Torture Case

The tragedy began on June 19, 2020, when Jayaraj (58) and his son Benicks (31) were detained for allegedly violating COVID-19 lockdown hours—a charge the CBI later proved to be fabricated.

Key Evidence and Witness Testimonies

The prosecution’s case was bolstered by several critical factors:

• The Eyewitness: A woman head constable provided a haunting testimony, describing how the father and son were tortured through the night, leaving bloodstains on the station’s furniture and lathis.
• CBI Investigation: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the probe following a directive from the Madras High Court, eventually invoking murder charges under the IPC.
• Digital Evidence: Despite efforts by the accused to erase CCTV footage, the forensic trail and medical reports showing severe internal injuries (including rectal bleeding) provided irrefutable proof of torture.

Also Read: The Finger that Never Stopped Swiping

Impact on Police Reform and Human Rights

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court played a pivotal role in ensuring the truth was not “buried,” maintaining constant oversight of the trial. Legal experts suggest this verdict will serve as a deterrent against custodial violence, though the court emphasized it should not instill fear in “honest officers” who follow the rule of law.

The case has drawn comparisons to international human rights movements, sparking a nationwide debate on the need for the Prevention of Torture Act and stricter police reforms across India.

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