'Torture In Custody Unacceptable In Civilized Society' : Tamil Nadu Senior Advocates Forum Condemn Custodial Deaths Of Jayaraj & Bennix

Condemning the custodial deaths of Jayaraj and Bennix in Sathankulam, Thoothukudy, the Tamil Nadu Senior Advocates Forum passed a resolution on Saturday, calling for "justice to be done by swift meaningful steps".

The resolution stated :

"The death of Mr Jayaraj and his son Mr Benniks in Sathankulam while in the custody of the police has shocked the conscience of one and all. Torture in custody is unacceptable in any civilized society governed by rule of law. The Magistrate who remanded them to Judicial custody , the duty doctor who issued the fitness certificate as well as the jailor have all wholly failed in their duties and contributed to the tragedy. We strongly condemn the incident which demonstrates lack of respect for the rule of law and leads to failing public confidence in administration in these trying times. We call for justice to be done by swift meaningful steps in accordance with law and bring the guilty to book".

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the deaths to order a judicial probe.

In the backdrop, an FIR was lodged against the deceased at Sathankulam Police Station on June 19, allegedly for violating lockdown restrictions and further for misbehaving with on-duty police personnel. The two were remanded to Judicial custody at Sub Jail, Kovilpatti, on June 20, 2020, and died on the following days, allegedly due to custodial torture.

Also Read : Jeyaraj-Bennix Custodial Deaths : Questions About Lapses Of Magistrate In Ordering Remand