Nine policemen sentenced to death in India over Covid custody killings
The father and son died in jail after being arrested on suspicion of breaching Covid lockdown rules in 2020.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"They should not be forgiven. They should not be given lesser sentences based on their age or family background."
— Rahul Gandhi , Politician
"Mere life sentences would not be sufficient, as the policemen would have no fear and would, instead, get emboldened."
— G Muthukumaran , Other
"the police are meant to protect the common man, and when they become the perpetrators of such brutality, the law must act as a deterrent."
— G Muthukumaran , Other
"Father and son stripped, ruthlessly assaulted… Heart shudders reading about it."
— Inspector Sridhar , Other
Key People
Victim of custodial death in Sathankulam.
Benniks was a 31-year-old son of Jayaraj who also died in police custody.
Son of Jeyaraj who also died under similar circumstances.
Judge who awarded death sentences to the policemen.
One of the nine policemen sentenced to death for the custodial killings of P. Jayaraj and J. Benicks.
Jayaraj was a 59-year-old trader who died in police custody.
The son of P Jayaraj, who also died in police custody under suspicious circumstances.
The son of P. Jayaraj, who also died in custody following alleged mistreatment by police.
He is the son of P Jayaraj and one of the victims in the custodial deaths case.
Victim of custodial death in Sathankulam.
He is one of the victims in the custodial deaths case.
A trader who died in custody due to alleged police brutality during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Rahul Gandhi is an Indian politician and member of the Indian National Congress.
Shikhar Dhawan is an Indian cricketer known for his performance in international cricket.
One of the nine police officers convicted in the custodial deaths case.
Another policeman involved in the custody case that led to the death sentences.
Another police official convicted alongside others for the deaths of the father and son.
Tags
All Coverage
The father and son died in jail after being arrested on suspicion of breaching Covid lockdown rules in 2020.
Nine police officers were sentenced to death for the custodial deaths of P Jayaraj and his son J Bennix in Sathankulam, with the court emphasizing the severity of the crime.
A court in Madurai sentenced nine police personnel to death for the custodial deaths of P Jayaraj and his son J Bennix, imposing a combined fine of ₹1.40 crore as compensation.
Nine police officers were sentenced to death for the 2020 custodial deaths of P Jayaraj and J Bennix in Sathankulam, with the court emphasizing the severity of the crime.
Nine police officials have been handed death sentences for the custodial deaths of P Jayaraj and his son J Benicks in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the prolonged legal process.
A district court in Madurai awarded the death penalty to nine policemen in the 2020 Sathankulam custodial death case, terming it among the 'rarest of rare' crimes.
A court in Madurai sentenced nine police personnel to death for the custodial deaths of P Jayaraj and his son J Bennix, imposing a combined fine of ₹1.40 crore as compensation.
A Madurai court sentenced nine police personnel to death for the 2020 custodial deaths of P Jayaraj and his son J Bennix, describing the case as 'rarest of rare'.
A Madurai court sentenced nine Tamil Nadu police personnel to death in the 2020 Sathankulam custodial killing case, terming it a 'rarest of rare' crime marked by extreme brutality and abuse of power.
A trial court in Tamil Nadu awarded death penalty to nine policemen found guilty of custodial torture and murder of a trader P. Jayaraj and his son J. Benicks during the COVID-19 lockdown at Sattankulam in Thoothukudi district.
A special court sentenced all nine police officers convicted in the Sathankulam custodial deaths case to death, holding them responsible for the brutal deaths of father-son duo Jeyaraj (59) and Bennix (31) in 2020.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
India detains protesters, locks down Delhi ahead of rally against election chief - Reuters
India detains protesters, locks down Delhi ahead of rally against election chief Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 12:33 AM'Cockroach' group leaders among hundreds detained in Delhi protest
Tens of thousands of security personnel were deployed and roads barricaded ahead of the demonstration.
October 10, 2026 at 12:29 PMIndian police detain 'cockroach' movement founder Abhijeet Dipke - Reuters
Indian police detain 'cockroach' movement founder Abhijeet Dipke Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 05:27 AMPolice detain Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi at poll chief protest, TV channels say - Reuters
Police detain Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi at poll chief protest, TV channels say Reuters
October 6, 2026 at 06:55 AMThree men found guilty of murdering two Australian surfer brothers and US friend
The bodies of Jake and Callum Robinson and their friend Carter Rhoad were found at the bottom of a well.
October 9, 2026 at 09:55 PMThe children dying in India's remote tribal heartland
At least 32 children have died in India's Balaghat district since May amid outbreaks of measles and malaria.
September 30, 2026 at 11:41 PM