Sathankulam accused: 2 more cops test positive, hospitalised

They were said to have got the virus through another jailed Sub Inspector Paldurai in the case. Deputy Inspector General of Prisons (Madurai Range) Palani confirmed this.

The duo, who are under treatment and quarantined in the hospital, were among the 10 cops jailed in connection with the custodial deaths of P Jayaraj (58) and his son J Bennix (31), who were traders in Sathankulam, Thoothukudi district.

The death of father and son due to alleged custodial torture by the Sathankulam policemen last month triggered outrage at large and it prompted the High Court Bench in Madurai to initiate suo motu proceedings.

During the probe launched by the CB-CID over the deaths, 10 cops, including suspended Inspector S Srithar were arrested and jailed subsequently. Meanwhile, Srithar, who’s currently under treatment in Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital is yet to return to the Madurai Central Jail.

Srithar was out from jail on July 23 to avail treatment after complaining of back pain. He complained of neck pain and as per the advice of orthopedic doctor, he had undergone a scan initially and the doctor further advised that he required MRI scan and it may take two or three more days of observation in the hospital, sources said.