In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through India's law enforcement community, nine police officers have been sentenced to death for the brutal 2020 custody killings of a father and son during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The case centers on P. Jeyaraj, 58, and his son Benicks, 38, who were detained in Tamil Nadu for allegedly keeping their mobile phone shop open in violation of lockdown restrictions. Both men died in jail days after their arrest.
During Monday's sentencing, the judge described a harrowing scene of abuse, stating that the two men were stripped and "ruthlessly assaulted in front of each other." The judge declared this a clear abuse of authority, adding, "They did this with the intention of killing."
"They attacked unarmed people. They should not be forgiven. They should not be given lesser sentences based on their age or family background. They are all educated," the judge emphasized in his remarks.
The officers, convicted of murder last month, retain the right to appeal their sentences. Originally, ten officers faced charges, but one died from Covid-19 in 2020.
The deaths sparked widespread protests across Tamil Nadu, drawing opposition lawmakers and citizens into the streets. The case gained national attention, with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and cricket star Shikhar Dhawan among those demanding justice on social media.
This incident has reignited concerns about police brutality in India. Rights organizations report that hundreds die in custody annually, citing torture and abuse as systemic issues used to extract confessions.
Earlier this year, several United Nations experts urged India to implement major policing reforms to align with international human rights standards, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.