Threatened and forced to delete video on Tamil Nadu custodial deaths: Radio host Suchitra

Tribune Web Desk
Chandigarh, July 12

A radio jockey’s clip describing the graphic details of police torture on the recent Tuticorin custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu triggered national outrage.

The post was deleted after it reached lakhs of people.

The radio jockey, Suchitra, revealed she was asked to delete the post by the state police which was probing the case until it was taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

RJ Suchitra, who goes by one name, tweeted: “The CB-CID (Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department) called. And threatened arrest for spreading fake news with intent to cause anarchy. Deleted the video under the advise of my lawyer who said they are definitely capable of doing it. Please watch this case people – there’s a lot of foul play being employed.”

“Deleting the video is not important. This is what worries me – they told me the post mortem report says none of what I’ve said in the video, happened. A true post mortem is CRUCIAL. Media, pls dont rest until u get a copy,” she said in another post.

Forget the video – it’s job is done. Just watch what happens in this case from here on. That’s more important. #justiceforjayarajandfenix

— Suchitra (@suchi_mirchi) July 10, 2020

Deleting the video is not important. This is what worries me – they told me the post mortem report says none of what I’ve said in the video, happened. A true post mortem is CRUCIAL. Media, pls dont rest until u get a copy. RT & tag. #JusticeforJayarajAndFenix

— Suchitra (@suchi_mirchi) July 11, 2020

Correction: The CB-CID called. And threatened arrest for spreading fake news with intent to cause anarchy. Deleted the video under the advise of my lawyer who said they are definitely capable of doing it. Pls watch this case people – there’s a lot of foul play being employed. https://t.co/MeALn0o8RA

— Suchitra (@suchi_mirchi) July 11, 2020

Several celebs including actor Priyanka Chopra had voiced their anger after listening to the radio host share the alleged police brutality.

In a statement shared on social media, the CB-CID said, “In this video, she falsely exaggerated and sensationalised the chain of events and her allegations seems to be as figment of imagination and is not backed up by any proof.”

“The video is promoting hatred against the police. Ms Suchitra has taken down these falsified contents on it being flagged to her,” it added.

Father and son duo J Jayaraj, 59, and Beniks Immanuel, 31, were arrested on June 19 for allegedly violating lockdown rules by keeping their shops open beyond 8 pm.

The family alleges they were tortured at the police station the whole night. While at the Kovilpatti Sub Jail, Beniks complained of chest pain on the June 22 and died at a hospital the same night. His father who had a severe fever, died the next day at the same hospital. With mounting national outrage over the incident, the case was transferred to the CBI.

சுசித்தரா, என்பவரால் சமீபத்தில் வெளியிடப்பட்ட சாத்தான்குளம் நிகழ்வு குறித்த காணொளி முற்றிலும் உண்மைதன்மையற்றது. மேலும், இது போன்ற காணொளிகளை வெளியிடுவது வழக்கின் புலனாய்வை பாதிக்கும் என சென்னை உயர்நீதிமன்றம் வழிகாட்டியுள்ளது. எனவே பொதுமக்கள் இத்தகைய காணொளிகளை நம்ப வேண்டாம்..! pic.twitter.com/69w2qZB0EB

— Thoothukudi District Police (@TUTICORINPOLICE) July 10, 2020