Sathankulam Case: Sentencing Posted to April 6
The sentencing, however, was not pronounced on March 30 after Central and state agencies sought additional time to submit the required reports.
Madurai:The Madurai additional district and sessions court on Thursday heard detailed arguments on the quantum of sentence in the Sathankulam father-son custodial death case, in which nine policemen have been convicted.
The court had, on May 23, found the nine policemen guilty in the custodial torture and death of P. Jayaraj and his son J. Benniks. It had earlier fixed March 30 for pronouncement of sentence and directed the state police to furnish details of the convicts’ property, salary, health, mental condition and conduct during custody.
The sentencing, however, was not pronounced on March 30 after Central and state agencies sought additional time to submit the required reports. The matter was subsequently adjourned to April 2, by which date the reports were placed before the court, following which all nine convicts were produced before the court.
District sessions judge G. Muthukumaran examined each of the convicts individually on their family background, educational qualifications and financial status, following which the convicts placed their submissions.
Arguing for the prosecution, CBI counsel Vijayan sought maximum punishment, stating that the charges had been conclusively established. He also cited Supreme Court guidelines which permit the award of capital punishment in cases falling under the “rarest of rare” category, including instances of custodial torture.
The counsel appearing for the convicts, however, sought leniency, submitting that the accused had been in custody for over five years. They contended that mitigating factors such as the convicts’ family circumstances and mental condition ought to be considered, in line with judicial precedents.
The counsel representing the victims’ family submitted that Jayaraj and Benniks were subjected to prolonged custodial assault throughout the night, including repeated beating with lathis, leading to their death, and urged the court to award maximum punishment.
The victims’ family members - Selvarani, wife of Jeyaraj, and Percy, Jeyaraj's daughter - also personally made their submissions before the court, reiterating their plea for the highest punishment.
After hearing all sides, the court reserved orders on sentencing and posted the matter for April 6. The convicts were later taken back to Madurai central prison under security.