Sathankulam custodial deaths: Nine policemen sentenced to death by court

Mangalore Today News Network

Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Apr 7, 2026: A court on Monday sentenced nine police personnel to death for the custodial torture and murder of a father and son in Sathankulam, Tuticorin.

First Additional District and Sessions Judge G. Muthukumaran termed the case “rarest of rare,” noting that those meant to protect the public had committed a crime that shocked the collective conscience of society.

The court awarded capital punishment to all nine convicted officers for the killings of P. Jayaraj and his son J. Bennix. It also imposed a total fine of ₹1.40 crore, to be paid as compensation to the victims’ family.

The incident occurred in June 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, when the duo was detained for allegedly keeping their mobile phone shop open beyond permitted hours. They were allegedly subjected to severe custodial assault and later died in hospital.

The case sparked nationwide outrage, prompting the Madras High Court to intervene, after which the probe was handed over to the CBI.