Tuticorin custodial deaths: Kamal Haasan demands EPS govt to file murder charges

Filmstar-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Monday asked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami to file murder charges against the accused in the appalling Tuticorin custodial deaths case.

In a tweet, Haasan asked the CM not to "shirk responsibility" in the incident by simply handing over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "Don't add this to cases in cold storage under CBI like the Gutka scam and the (2018) Tuticorin police firing," the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party chief said.

On Sunday, the CM Palaniswami had assured that the Tuticorin custodial death case will be handed over to the CBI after seeking Madras High Court's permission in the June 30 hearing.

READ | Tuticorin Custodial Deaths: Kamal Haasan Calls It 'violation Of Human Rights', Seeks Probe

Kamal Haasan had earlier expressed disgust over the Tuticorin custodial deaths and stated that the incident that has taken place in Santhukulam "can happen to any one of us" and further termed it as unjust and "complete violation of human rights". He interpellated Palaniswami and urged that monetary relief for the victims' families is not enough and that stern action must be taken in this brutal incident.

The MNM founder had also questioned the alleged suspension of the two sub-inspectors who were actively involved in the custodial death of the innocent civilians. Haasan shared his suspicions that the local judiciary, doctors, and jail authorities could be involved in the case and urged that they should be questioned and that the matter should not go unresolved.

READ | Tuticorin Custodial Deaths: CCTV Before Father-son's Arrest Shows No 'argument' With Cops

Tuticorin Custodial Deaths

P Jayaraj (59) and his son Bennicks (31) were picked up for questioning by the cops in Sathankulam police for violating lockdown rules on June 23. As per police, the duo kept their mobile shop open during the lockdown. They were allegedly beaten to death by the police and as per some reports, were also sexually assaulted in police custody.

This incident led to the state-wide uproar with more than a thousand people protesting in Sathankulam town in Thoothukudi district. The furore even spread to social media with #JusticeForJayarajAndFenix becoming a top trend on Twitter. Meanwhile, the state has suspended four policemen, including two sub-inspectors involved in the incident. On June 23, more than a thousand people had protested in Sathankulam town in Thoothukudi district over the incident.

READ | Tuticorin Custodial Deaths: TN CM Palaniswami Assures CBI Probe After Madras HC's Nod

READ | Tuticorin Custodial Deaths: DMK Chief Stalin Alleges 'CM Ordered CBI Probe Under Pressure'