Five years after the custodial deaths of a father and son in Tamil Nadu shocked the nation, a court has convicted nine police personnel and awarded them the death penalty. While the verdict represents a significant moment of judicial accountability, the case’s outcome was deeply shaped by the courage of Head Constable Revathi, whose testimony became central to establishing the truth.
Revathi was on duty at the Sathankulam police station in Thoothukudi in 2020 when P Jayaraj and his son J Bennix were detained for allegedly keeping their mobile shop open beyond permitted hours during Covid restrictions. What followed, according to her account, was a night of extreme brutality that ultimately led to their deaths within days, sparking nationwide outrage.
Despite being a relatively junior officer, Revathi chose to turn approver in the case and provided a detailed account of the events before the magistrate. Her decision came without any guarantees regarding her personal safety, her family’s security, or her professional future. Facing senior and influential colleagues as the accused, she nonetheless remained firm in her resolve to disclose the truth.
When Judicial Magistrate M.S. Bharathidasan arrived to investigate the incident, Revathi reportedly expressed her fears but also her determination to reveal what had happened. She described, in detail, how the victims were repeatedly assaulted, suffered severe injuries, and were later sent to judicial custody, where they succumbed to their injuries.
Her testimony included identifying the officers visible in CCTV footage, which proved crucial in establishing their presence and involvement. She recounted that the victims were beaten relentlessly, sometimes with objects found at the scene, and subjected to inhumane treatment, including being forced to clean their own blood. She also described moments when she tried to offer basic help, such as giving coffee, only to be stopped by other officers.
The atmosphere within the police station was highly intimidating, with colleagues warning her against speaking out. Even during the recording of her statement, there were attempts to disrupt the process, and the magistrate had to ensure protection by deploying a guard. The pressure was so intense that Revathi initially hesitated to sign her statement and did so only after receiving repeated assurances of safety.
Her actions were particularly notable given the institutional culture where it is uncommon for police personnel to testify against their own colleagues. Despite facing threats, harassment, and fear of repercussions, she chose to uphold accountability, playing a decisive role in the case’s progression.
Following intervention by the Madras High Court, security arrangements were made for her and her family, including the deployment of police personnel for protection. Even so, she remained cautious, expressing concerns about potential harassment from within the system.
Revathi’s testimony ultimately became a cornerstone of the prosecution’s case, demonstrating how individual integrity and courage can influence the course of justice, even in the face of systemic pressure and personal risk.
