Among the several tragedies and tales of suffering during the pandemic years, the killing of P Jayaraj and his son Benicks in police custody in Sattankulam, Tamil Nadu, in June 2020, stood out. The case, handed over to the CBI, became a test for the justice system vis-à-vis police impunity. Tamil Nadu accounts for the highest number of custodial deaths (judicial and police custody) among the southern states (490 between 2016 and 2022). Several other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan, also have an inglorious record in this respect. Jayaraj and Benicks’ deaths, abhorrent in themselves, are a particularly chilling example of a rot that runs deep.

Source: Indian Express April 08, 2026 02:02 UTC