Two more CBI officers probing Tuticorin custodial killings test positive for Covid-19 | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Two more CBI officers probing Tuticorin custodial killings test positive for Covid-19

Madurai | ByPress Trust of India | Posted by Arpan Rai
Jul 24, 2020 03:56 PM IST

The father-son duo, Jeyaraj and his son Bennicks died in a hospital in Kovilpatti in Tuticorin district, after they were allegedly thrashed by the personnel at Sathankulam police station.

Two more officers of the CBI team that probed the Tuticorin custodial death case tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday, while one of the accused policemen is found to have contracted the virus.

Members of Anti-Facist People's Front Bengaluru staging protest against the custodial deaths of Tuticorin in Bengaluru on Friday.(ANI)
Members of Anti-Facist People's Front Bengaluru staging protest against the custodial deaths of Tuticorin in Bengaluru on Friday.(ANI)

The CBI office cum quarters at Athikulam here, where the investigation was held and four officers from Delhi were staying, has been sealed and disinfected.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

While two officers tested positive for the virus on Wednesday, the others on Friday, officials said.

The police personnel arrested in connection with the case and lodged in the central prison here has been placed under quarantine, they added.

The father-son duo, Jeyaraj and his son Bennicks died in a hospital in Kovilpatti in Tuticorin district, after they were allegedly thrashed by the personnel at Sathankulam police station.

The state government has transferred the case to CBI following public outrage over the incident.

The CBI has swung into action as soon as it received a reference from the Centre to proceed with its investigation and had dispatched a team from its special crime unit.

The team reached the location on July 10 and collected crucial forensic evidence and met a large number of people during the field work, possibly exposing the members to the contagious pathogen.

The father and son were arrested by Sathankulam police for alleged violation of prohibitory orders in force due to Covid-19 lockdown by keeping their mobile phone shop open in Tuticorin district beyond the allowed time.

They were taken to jail in the early hours of June 20.

While Bennicks died on June 22, his father Jeyaraj succumbed to injuries within hours on June 23.

The ghastly manner in which the two were allegedly beaten by police personnel had evoked a sharp response from civil society, movie industry and political parties, resulting in the recommendation of the CBI probe by the state government.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On