Custodial deaths: 5 more cops suspended, CBI to visit Kovilpatti

Meanwhile, the CBI team camping in the district is likely to visit Kovilpatti on Monday to hold inquiries with prison authorities and doctors at the Kovilpatti Government Headquarters Hospital.

The suspended policemen are sub-inspector Paldurai, head constable Samadurai, and constables Thomas, Chelladurai, and Vail Muthu. They were identified as accused in connection with a case filed by the Kovilpatti East police under Section 176 (1) (1-A) of CrPC following the deaths of Bennix on June 22 night and his father the next morning. The CB-CID team arrested them on July 8.

Thoothukudi SP said suspension of any cop after detention was a normal procedure.

When the CB-CID launched its probe as per directive of the High Court, five officials, including suspended inspector Srithar, two SIs and two constables attached to Sathankulam station were arrested.

Meanwhile, the CBI team led by Additional Superintendent of Police VK Shukla made an on the spot assessment in Sathankulam police station, where both Jayaraj and his son Bennix allegedly suffered torture at the hands of policemen on June 19, on Sunday evening. The team conducted inquiries with some of the policemen at the station, which began at around 5.40 p.m., and lasted till 7 p.m., sources said. Subsequently, the CBI inspected the bazaar area in Sathankulam and also court in Sathankulam, sources added

After completing the probe in Sathankulam, the CBI team is likely to visit Kovilpatti on Monday to inquire prison authorities and also doctors at Kovilpatti Government headquarters hospital, where both of them died, sources said. However, the CBI officials remained tightlipped about the progress of the probe.