Published 22:42 IST, June 28th 2020
Tuticorin custodial deaths: DMK chief Stalin alleges 'CM ordered CBI probe under pressure'
DMK chief M K Stalin, on Sunday, alleged that the CM is transferring the Tuticorin custodial deaths' probe to the CBI, under pressure from political parties
Slamming Tamil Nadu CM Edapadi Palaniswami, DMK chief M K Stalin, on Sunday, alleged that the CM is transferring the Tuticorin custodial death case to the CBI, under pressure from public, political parties, and media. Taking to Twitter, Stalin said that justice will be done only if the policemen were booked for murder under the Indian Penal code. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister assured that the Tuticorin custodial death case will be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after seeking Madras High Court's permission in the 30 June hearing.
Stalin slams TN CM, claims CBI transfer under pressure
(If two innocent victims and their families are served justice, their murder must be filed under IPC 302 and immediately arrest the relevant police assistant inspectors & police)
On duty police inspector suspended in Tuticorin
Earlier in the day, Sathankulam police station Inspector Sridhar - who was on-duty when the two victims were allegedly tortured in custody, leading to their deaths was suspended by the Tamil Nadu police department. Sources add that as of now 4 police officers - including sub-inspectors and constables who were on duty have already been transferred. A father-son duo were allegedly tortured in police custody on June 19, after being remanded for keeping their mobile shop open during the lockdown, leading to their deaths.
What is the 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. As per police, the duo kept their mobile shop open during the lockdown. The duo were allegedly brutally beaten by the police in custody and then later released in a deteriorating health condition.
Reports state that after sustaining severe injuries, both victims were shifted to the Kovilpatti government hospital where Beniks died on Monday evening and Jayaraj, who was diabetic, succumbed to a respiratory illness on Tuesday. Moreover, hospital records state that both had multiple marks on the posterior's gluteal region, and Bennicks' knee caps were pressed, as per reports. The deceased's kin has claimed that both victims were subjected to excessive torture, verbal and physical humiliation in police custody, which has now been reportedly confirmed by the examining doctor.
Updated 22:42 IST, June 28th 2020