Tuticorin custodial deaths: District magistrate says 'police actively preventing inquiry'

In a major development, Sathankulam District Magistrate on Monday, said that said district police ministration were preventing magistrate's inquiry into Tuticorin custodial deaths. magistrate court has registered a suo moto criminal contempt case in incident, as per sources. judge has observed that unless top police officers on-duty at police station are transferred, investigation cant be free and fair and has ordered 'hostile police officers' to appear in court on Tuesday morning at 10.30 AM.

Two more cases of police brutality emerge from Tamil Nu amid Tuticorin custodial deaths

District Magistrate: 'Police interfering with inquiry'

police h filed an FIR based on Sathankulam He Constable Murugan’s complaint who stated that at 9.15 PM he ticed that APJ MOBILES shop was open beyond lockdown time period. As per FIR, Murugan reportedly asked crowd outside shop to leave, while Jeyaraj and Bennicks refused and verbally abused policemen, rolling on floor hurting ir knees. Moreover, constable stated in FIR that far-son duo threatened to hit m as he reminded m of lockdown, leing to police arresting m.

On or hand,  Republic TV  has accessed CCTV foot outside far-son duo - Jayaraj and Bennicks's mobile shop in Tuticorin from day y were arrested - June 19. CCTV foot shows that re was argument between duo and police, contrictory to police claiming that duo h resisted arrest, arguing with officials. Moreover, foot shows far - Jeyaraj walking across street on being summoned by police, while Bennicks is seen following shortly.

Tuticorin custodial deaths: CCTV before far-son's arrest shows 'argument' with cops

Tamil Nu CM assures CBI probe

On Sunday, Tamil Nu Chief Minister E Palaniswami assured that Tuticorin custodial death case will be handed over to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after seeking Mras High Court's permission in 30 June hearing. Previously,  Sathankulam police station Inspector Sridhar was suspended and four or police officers - including sub-inspectors and constables who were on duty when two victims were allegedly tortured in custody, have alrey been transferred. Murai bench of Mras HC has said that it will t object to Tamil Nu government's decision to seek a CBI probe, according to ANI.

Tuticorin custodial deaths: DMK chief Stalin alleges 'CM ordered CBI probe under pressure'

What is Tuticorin custodial death case?

P Jayaraj (59) and his son Bennicks (31) - residents of Tuticorin, were picked up for questioning by Sathankulam police on June 19 for violating lockdown rules. duo were allegedly brutally beaten by police in custody and n later released in a deteriorating health condition. Reports state that after sustaining severe injuries, both victims were shifted to Kovilpatti government hospital where Beniks died on Monday evening and Jayaraj, who was diabetic, succumbed to a respiratory illness on Tuesday.

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