Sathankulam custodial deaths: Court dismisses bail plea of accused cop

MADURAI: Madurai principal sessions court on Thursday dismissed the bail plea of suspended constable S Chelladurai, who was arrested in connection with the custodial deaths of P Jeyaraj and his son J Benicks at Sathankulam in Tuticorin district.
The counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted: Petitioner was not on duty at the time of occurrence as alleged by the prosecution. The petitioner was relieved from the duty by that evening and thereafter reported to duty only the next morning.
Special public prosecutor for CBI submitted that the case of the prosecution was that the petitioner caught hold of the deceased at the time of occurrence. The petitioner, along with other accused, brutally tortured and caused death to the deceased men. Since the petitioner may tamper with witnesses if released on bail, he objected to grant of bail.
Jeyaraj's wife Selvarani also filed an intervening petition objecting the grant of bail.
Taking into consideration the gravity of offence, the fact that investigation was not completed and the objection raised by prosecution, Madurai principal sessions judge (in-charge) M Thandavan dismissed the bail petition