Cop accused in Tamil Nadu father-son custodial deaths succumbs to coronavirus

Guwahati: In a latest development, a policeman in Tamil Nadu, accused in the custodial deaths of a father and son in Tuticorin district in June, died of the dreaded coronavirus on Monday (August 10).

The accused, Pauldurai (56) was a special sub-inspector and one of the 10 policemen arrested in connection with death of traders Jeyaraj and his son at Sathankulam after alleged police torture.

The shocking incident sparked huge outrage against alleged police brutality and a political row. Massive protests were also reported from the Tuticorin district over the deaths of the father-son duo after the incident grabbed the national headlines.

Pauldurai was accused of beating up the deaths of the duo who later succumbed to their injuries. Two constables were accused of holding the duo while they were being thrashed by Pauldurai.

While Pauldurai is accused of thrashing the two men, two constables are accused of holding the victims while he thrashed them.

Pauldurai, a diabetic, one of the co-co-morbidities leading to COVID-19 deaths, passed away at a Government hospital. However, the cop's family members have alleged that he was not treated "properly" at the hospital which led to his death.

According to reports, the cop, who was jailed at the central prison in Madurai, was hospitalized after he tested positive for the dreaded virus last month. His wife had reportedly appealed to senior police officers for permission to shift him to Kanyakumari for better treatment.

It may be recalled here that Jeyaraj (59) and his son Beniks (31) were arrested on June 19 for keeping their mobile phone shop open 15 minutes beyond permitted hours amid the coronavirus-triggered lockdown.

The two men were allegedly subjected to brutal torture in police custody and the family alleges they had severe internal and external wounds, including rectal bleeding. The police claimed the two had fought, showered verbal abuses, and rolled around on the street while resisting arrest upon being caught.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is now probing the deaths of Jeyaraj and Beniks after the Tamil Nadu government handed over the probe to the premier agency.

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