In a landmark judgment, a court in Tamil Nadu has sentenced nine police officers to death for the custodial deaths of a father and son during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.
Brutal custodial deaths
The victims, P. Jeyaraj (58) and his son Benicks (38), died days after being detained for allegedly keeping their mobile phone shop open in violation of lockdown restrictions.
According to the court, the two were subjected to severe physical assault while in custody. The judge described the incident as a clear abuse of authority and stated that the acts were carried out with the intention to kill.
Court takes strict view
The nine officers had been found guilty of murder last month. During sentencing, the court emphasised that the accused had attacked unarmed individuals and should not be shown leniency.
The judge also rejected considerations such as age or family background, stressing the gravity of the offence and the responsibility that comes with holding public office.
Case sparked national outrage
The deaths had triggered widespread protests across Tamil Nadu and drew attention nationwide. Prominent figures, including Rahul Gandhi and cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, had called for justice.
The case became a symbol of concerns surrounding custodial violence and misuse of power by law enforcement agencies.
Broader concerns on police reforms
Human rights organisations have long highlighted the issue of custodial deaths in India, with reports indicating hundreds of such cases annually. Concerns over torture and coercion during investigations continue to raise questions about systemic reforms.
Earlier this year, UN experts urged India to modernise policing practices and align them with international human rights standards.
Appeal process open
The convicted officers retain the right to appeal against the sentence in higher courts. Legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming months.