Duo Custodial Death in Tamil Nadu

On 19 June P Jayaraj and his son Beniks(spelled by Madras High court) of Thoothukudi district were arrested for keeping their shop open beyond permitted hours. They were mistreated and sexually abused whole time in police custody. They were stripped naked completely. They kept bleeding. It has been claimed that they were sodomised. The two were taken to police magistrate. The police magistrate is responsible for examing and reporting any misconduct during custody. He is also responsible to ensure that no violation of rights of accused takes place. On 22 June Beniks complained about breathing problem and he was admitted to hospital where he died. The following day P Jayaraj also expired. 

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Edappadi K Palaniswami hasn't said anything yet about alleged police torture but has given compensation of 20 lakh to the victim's family and a governmnet job. He has also declared that the case will be transferred to CBI. The opposition party DMK has announced 25 lakh to the family. This has also led to protests in Tamil Nadu as the protestors demand justice for family. T Vellaiyan President of Tamil Nadu Traders Associastion had declared that on 24 June all shops will be closed in order to show solidarity and demanded end of police brutality.

During lockdown, a new power structure has emerged. Police brutality was considered just on people who were helpless. Videos were shared on social media and were source of entertainment. It is clear incident of taking advantage of power. Police officers are our corona warriors. They were given so much honour and welcome with flowers everywhere. But such incidents raises questions on their duties and power they have to protect society from anti social elements. They paid a huge price for opening their shop in this pandemic. People must be punished who break lockdown norms but the question here is how cruel the punishment should be? Who will decide this punishment?