Sathankulam custodial deaths: All nine accused cops handed capital punishment by Madurai court

The first additional district and sessions court in Madurai handed down death sentences to nine police officers on Monday for the brutal custodial murder and torture of a father and son in Sathankulam, Tuticorin.

Judge G Muthukumaran classified the case as the rarest of rare, observing that those entrusted with protecting the public had committed a crime that shook the collective conscience of society.

The court sentenced all nine convicted police officers to death for the murders of P Jayaraj and his son J Bennix.

In addition to the capital punishment, the court imposed a combined fine of Rs 1.40 crore on the convicts to be paid as compensation to the victims' family.

The tragedy dates back to June 2020 during the coronavirus lockdown, when Jayaraj and Bennix were picked up for allegedly keeping their mobile phone shop open beyond permitted hours. They were subjected to extreme physical assault while in custody, leading to their deaths at a hospital days later.

Following a massive public outcry, the Madras HC took notice of the case, which was eventually investigated by the CBI. (PTI)