Thoothukudi custodial deaths send shockwaves across TN; DMK and AIADMK provide Rs 25 lakhs as solatium to family of the deceased

CHENNAI: The custodial deaths of two Thoothukudi residents sent shockwaves in the State on Friday.
The father and son were arrested for keeping their mobile phone shop in Tuticorin open, violating lockdown norms. They died at a hospital in Kovilpatti on Tuesday and relatives alleged that their deaths were due to the severe brutality that they had to face at the hands of the police.

A number of celebrities and politicians took to social media on Friday to express their horror over the incident.

DMK MP Kanimozhi wrote a letter to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday urging them to investigate and initiate necessary action against the officials responsible for the heinous act.

She claimed that from the facts and circumstances, the police officials had disregarded basic human rights including the right to life and dignity that has been enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of India. She added that the police officials of Sathankulam in all aspects have violated and not followed the principles of arrests laid down by the Supreme Court of India in the case of DK Basu vs State of West Bengal.

“It is alleged that while police were assaulting Mr. Jayaraj and Mr. Bennicks in the guise of investigation, the police officials had inserted a baton into the anus of Mr. Bennicks that had triggered uncontrolled bleeding and further the police officials had beaten Mr.Jayaraj and had kicked him on his chest multiple times with their shoes,” Kanimozhi wrote in her letter while addressing the incident as a collective failure of police and a gross violation of human rights.

She went on to explain the chain of events that to led their death but did not restrict it to this case alone. She spoke about multiple instances of such custodial deaths.

“In the last two years, there have been more than 15 incidents of custodial deaths but not a single chargesheet has been filed against officials who were responsible. Therefore, the National Human Rights Commission may also take this into consideration and issue necessary directions in this regard so that no further lives are lost under police custody and stringent action is taken against all such officials who have abetted in gross human rights violations,” Kanimozhi wrote.

Four policemen, including two sub-inspectors have been suspended and and police staff, including an inspector, were transferred, the district collector Sandeep Nanduri said.

Opposition hits out at AIADMK:
DMK president MK Stalin announced a solatium of Rs 25 lakh to the family of the two while hitting out at the ruling government.

In a statement, he said it was a "result of the AIADMK government allowing them to take law into their own hands at a time when they have to ensure the safety of the public during the lockdown."

Soon after, the AIADMK too announced a solatium of the same amount for the kin of the deceased.