Madurai:The landmark verdict of Madurai Court has sent shockwaves all across the country. On April, 6th, 2026, the court sentenced nine policemen to death for the 2020 custodial murder of a father and son in Sathankulam, TN. This case is being hailed as a historic moment for judicial accountability regarding policing and their brutality in India. Amazon Brand - Myx Women's Schiffli Embroidery Ethnic Dress | Fit and Flare | Knee Length (Available in Plus Sizes)
The First Additional District and Sessions Court in Madurai, presided over by Judge G. Muthukumaran, classified the crime as the rarest of rare and sentenced all the nine convicted personnel, ranging from an Inspector to Constables, all were awarded the death penalty. The court ordered a collective compensation and fine of ₹1.40 crore to be paid to the surviving family members, apart from the death penalty.
The judge exclaiming, in a symbolic gesture after signing the judgment, he said, where there is power, the responsibility too is essential and those meant to protect the public had instead become a murderer.
The case goes back to the Covid-19, lockdown on June 2020.
P. Jayaraj (58) and his son J. Bennix (31) were taken by the Sathankulam police for allegedly keeping their mobile shop open past the permitted lockdown hours. Both were taken to the police station where they were subjected to brutal, night-long physical assault and torture. Despite their critical condition, they were sent to judicial custody. Bennix died on June 22, 2020, and his father Jayaraj passed away the following morning. The deaths ignited the nationwide protests. Decapitation Strike in Tehran: US-Israeli Air Raid Kills IRGC Intelligence Chief Majid Khademi
The nine convicts found guilty of murder, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence are, S. Sridhar (Former Inspector), P. Raghu Ganesh & K. Balakrishnan (Sub-Inspectors), S. Murugan & A. Saamidurai (Head Constables) and M. Muthuraj, S. Chelladurai, X. Thomas Francis, & S. Veilumuthu (Constables)’
The judge in his judgement categorically stated, the court explicitly stated that a mere life sentence would not suffice, as the judgment needed to serve as a strong deterrent against future "police goondaism." From 'Atmanirbhar' Reality to Political Rhetoric: Protecting India’s Digital Identity
Well done, Judiciary, for a change!