CBI takes over Jayaraj and Bennix custodial deaths probe, registers 2 FIRs
India

CBI takes over Jayaraj and Bennix custodial deaths probe, registers 2 FIRs

The CBI has dispatched a special team to conduct the probe in which several Tamil Nadu Police personnel are under the scanner, while 5 personnel have already been arrested.

   
A file photo of the CBI headquarters in New Delhi. | Manisha Mondal/ThePrint

Representational image | File photo of the CBI headquarters in New Delhi. | Manisha Mondal | ThePrint

New Delhi: The CBI has taken over investigations into the gruesome killing of a father-son duo after alleged torture by police personnel at Sathankulam Police Station in Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu, officials said on Wednesday.

The CBI has dispatched a special team to conduct the probe in which several Tamil Nadu Police personnel are under the scanner and some have already been arrested by the state police, they said.

“CBI has registered two cases on the allegations of custodial death of two traders in Kovilpatti district on the request of Tamil Nadu government and further notification from government of India,” CBI Spokesperson R K Gaur said.

He said the CBI has taken over the investigation of these cases, earlier registered as crime number 649 of 2020 and crime number 650 of 2020 at Police Station Kovilpatti East in Turicorin.

The team will be seeking the custody of the arrested accused, the sources said.

P Jayaraj and his son Bennix who ran a mobile shop were arrested for ‘violating’ lockdown norms over business hours of their cellphone shop.

Bennix and Jayaraj died on June 22 and 23, respectively after alleged torture by Sathankulam Police following their arrest on June 19.

The CB-CID is presently handling the case as per the direction of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.

Five police personnel including an inspector have been arrested so far.


Also read: Stop cheering police brutality. Citizens like Jayaraj and Bennix pay the price