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Sathankulam custodial deaths of Jayaraj and Bennix

· Sathankulam

A father and son detained by Sathankulam police during the lockdown died after being beaten in custody, causing national outrage.

P. Jayaraj and his son J. Bennix, traders in Sathankulam, Thoothukudi district, were detained by police on 19 June 2020 for allegedly keeping their shop open beyond lockdown hours. They were assaulted at the police station and died in hospital at Kovilpatti on 22 and 23 June 2020. The deaths caused protests across India over police brutality. The Madras High Court took up the case and the CBI investigated, charging nine police personnel with murder. On 6 April 2026 a court in Madurai sentenced all nine to death.

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