The case dates back to June 2020, during the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. Jayaraj and Bennix, who ran a mobile phone shop in Sathankulam, Thoothukudi, were picked up by the police for allegedly keeping their store open until 7:45 PM, slightly past the mandated closing time. What followed was a night of unimaginable horror inside the police station. The prosecution detailed how the officers, fueled by the arrogance of power and lockdown-induced boredom, turned the station into a slaughterhouse. The father and son were subjected to hours of extreme physical torture, leading to massive internal injuries and heavy bleeding. They both succumbed to their wounds within three days of the assault.
The nine convicts include former Inspector Sridhar, Sub-Inspectors Balakrishnan and Raghu Ganesh, along with six other personnel ranging from Head Constables to Constables. Out of the ten original accused, one died during the trial process. The CBI successfully proved charges of brutal physical assault, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence against the remaining nine. This verdict stands as a stern warning against the misuse of institutional power, ensuring that those who take the law into their own hands while wearing the uniform face the ultimate consequence.
With input from KN.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com