Madurai court sentences nine policemen to death in 2020 Sathankulam custodial deaths case
The Facts
- The First Additional District and Sessions Court in Madurai sentenced nine police personnel to death in the 2020 Sathankulam custodial deaths case.
- The case concerns the deaths of P. Jayaraj and his son J. Benicks after they were in police custody in Sathankulam, Thoothukudi district, in 2020.
- The father and son were taken into custody after allegations related to keeping their mobile shop open during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
- The deaths sparked widespread public outrage and protests.
- The investigation was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation after intervention by the Madras High Court.
- Before sentencing, the trial court had convicted all nine accused police personnel on March 23, 2026.
- The court also ordered compensation of Rs 1.40 crore to the victims' family.
Context
What did the court decide in this case?
The First Additional District and Sessions Court in Madurai sentenced all nine convicted police personnel to death in the Sathankulam custodial deaths case. The court had earlier convicted them on March 23, 2026, and also ordered Rs 1.40 crore in compensation to the family OnManorama,Hindu.
What was the case about?
The case arose from the 2020 deaths of P. Jayaraj and his son J. Benicks after they were taken into custody in Sathankulam, in Thoothukudi district. Multiple reports say they were detained during the COVID-19 lockdown over allegations that their mobile shop was open beyond permitted hours Hindustan Times,News18,Oneindia.
Why did the CBI investigate the case?
The case was handed to the Central Bureau of Investigation after the incident triggered major public outrage and the Madras High Court intervened. Reports say the transfer was made to ensure a fair investigation Hans India,Hindustan Times,MoneyControl.
The receipts — all 91 sources
Wire services (2)
APOdisha News, Odisha Latest news, Odisha Daily - OrissaPOSTRarest of rare: Nine cops get death in 2020 Sathankulam case...
Independent coverage (50)
MoneyControlBloodstains on tables, lathis at...: How woman cop's testimo...
IOL NewsIndia court sentences nine police to death for Covid-19 cust...
IOLIndia court sentences nine police to death for Covid-19 cust...
Leadership9 Indian Policemen Sentenced To Death Over Killing Of Father...
News18Sathankulam Case: Does Law Allow Death Sentence For Cops Ove...
Hindustan TimesInside the 2020 Tamil Nadu father-son custodial deaths case ...
New Age | The Most Popular Outspoken English Daily in BangladeshNine police sentenced to death in India over Covid custody k...
ThePrint'Betrayal by those meant to uphold law' -- 9 TN cops get cap...
Malay MailNine policemen in India sentenced to death after father-son ...
DevdiscourseMadurai Court Delivers Justice: Nine Police Sentenced to Dea...
Asian News International (ANI)Sathankulam custodial death case: Madurai court awards death...
Asianet News Network Pvt LtdSathankulam custodial deaths: 9 cops get death penalty in ra...
The Logical IndianMadurai Court Sentences 9 Tamil Nadu Cops to Death in Father...
LatestLYIndia News | Sathankulam Custodial Death Case: Madurai Court...
WIONDeath penalty for nine cops in Tamil Nadu's father-son custo...
News18Tamil Nadu Custodial Death Case: 'Rarest Of Rare' Death Pena...
Asianet News Network Pvt LtdSathankulam case: TN Cong chief welcomes verdict, demands EP...
Ommcom NewsTN: Nine Policemen Get Death Sentence In Sattankulam Custodi...
The Hans IndiaCustodial killings: 9 cops get death penalty
thedailyjagran.comSathankulam Case: 9 Cops Get Death Sentence In A Rare Verdic...
TheQuintJayaraj-Benicks TN Custodial Deaths Case: 9 Policemen Senten...
LatestLYIndia News | Tamil Nadu: Congress Chief Selvaperunthagai Ask...
Asian News International (ANI)Tamil Nadu: Congress chief Selvaperunthagai asks EPS to apol...
The Hans IndiaDeath for 9 TN cops in custodial torture case
Intellinews Indian court sentences cops to death over custodial torture ...
The PioneerCops handed death penalty in custodial death case
The Times of IndiaFrom Covid lockdown violation to night-long torture: Why Tam...
Hindustan TimesSathankulam custodial death: Madurai court gives death penal...
Weekly VoiceSix Years After Sathankulam Custodial Deaths, Nine Tamil Nad...
Maktoob media'Heart shudders': Court sentences nine policemen to death fo...
Rediff.com India Ltd.Tamil Nadu Court Hands Death Penalty in Sathankulam Custodia...
Asianet News Network Pvt LtdSathankulam Custodial Death: Madurai Court Gives Death Penal...
NewsDrumSathankulam custodial deaths: Nine police personnel sentence...
DevdiscourseJustice Served: Nine Policemen Sentenced to Death in Sathank...
Hindustan TimesSathankulam custodial deaths: 9 cops who tortured and killed...
Asian News International (ANI)Nine policemen get death penalty in Sathankulam custodial de...
The HinduSattankulam case: family thank judiciary, people for support
LatestLYIndia News | Nine Policemen Get Death Penalty in Sathankulam...
The Statesman9 policemen awarded double death sentence in Sattankulam cus...
Business StandardSathankulam custodial deaths: Nine police officers sentenced...
NDTV4 Days To Death, 6 Years To Justice: Inside The Tamil Nadu C...
National HeraldTamil Nadu: Death penalty for 9 cops in Sathankulam custodia...
Asianet News Network Pvt LtdSathankulam Father-Son Custodial Death Case Explained: Why 9...
englishMadurai Court Verdict: 9 Policemen Sentenced To Death In Fat...
The New Indian Express9 Tamil Nadu Cops Get Death Sentence In Thoothukudi Father-S...
cnbctv18.com9 Tamil Nadu policemen get death penalty in brutal custodial...
Pragativadi: Leading Odia DaillyNine Tamil Nadu Police Officers Sentenced to Death for Custo...
OneindiaDeath Penalty in Sattankulam Case: A Breakthrough in India's...
OneindiaSattankulam Verdict Exposes A System Where Custodial Deaths ...
The Siasat DailySathankulam custodial deaths: Nine police officers sentenced...
Facts first. Then every angle.
The day’s biggest stories in one short brief — the facts everyone agrees on, then the competing values behind the headlines. Free in your inbox.