TN to hand over probe into custodial deaths to CBI: CM

Salem (TN), June 28

The Tamil Nadu Government has decided to transfer the probe into the death of a man and his son, victims of alleged police torture in Tuticorin district, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Chief Minister K Palaniswami said on Sunday.

The government’s decision will be informed to the Madras High Court, which is seized of the matter, and secure its approval before transferring the case to the central agency, he told reporters here. “The government has decided that the CBI will probe the case,” Palaniswami said.

P Jayaraj and his son Fennix, arrested for ‘violating’ lockdown norms over business hours of their cell phone shop, died at a hospital in Kovilpatti on June 23, with their relatives alleging they were severely thrashed at the Sathankulam police station by cops earlier. The incident has triggered a nationwide furore, leading to the suspension of four policemen, including two sub-inspectors.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed grief and regret over the incident. In an SMS sent to the party’s Shakti platform members in Tuticorin district, he said, “Let us agitate till those responsible for this (deaths) are punished.”

Tamil actor Rajinikanth has conveyed his condolences to the victims’ family. The superstar spoke to P Jayaraj’s widow over phone and conveyed his heartfelt condolences, the actor’s publicist said in a tweet on Sunday. Meanwhile, BJP Tamil Nadu unit president L Murugan expressed hope there would be justice for the death of the two persons.

Several film stars too condemned the “police brutality”. In a Twitter post, Priyanka said such “brutality” angers her and the guilty must be punished. — PTI

Held for ‘violating’ lockdown norms

• P Jayaraj and his son Fennix, who owned a shop in Tuticorin district, were taken to the Sathankulam police station for allegedly violating lockdown norms, say victims’ kin
• According to allegations, they were brutally thrashed and tortured, resulting in their death. Four policemen, including two sub-inspectors, have been suspended