Chennai: The Centre has issued a notification on CBI taking over the investigation into the deaths of Jayaraj and Bennix, the father and son who were allegedly tortured by police in Tuticorin district. The Tamil Nadu government announced the move on Tuesday.
Following chief minister E.K. Palaniswami’s letter to home minister Amit Shah requesting a probe by the Central agency into the deaths of Jayaraj and Bennix, “the Central government has now issued a notification (on CBI taking over the investigation into the case),” an official release here said.
After announcing a CBI probe recently, Palaniswami had written to the home minister.
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The CB-CID is presently handling the case as per the direction of the Madurai bench of the Madras high court.
Five police personnel, including an inspector, have been arrested so far.
Bennix and Jayaraj died on June 22 and 23 respectively after alleged torture by the Sathankulam police in Tuticorin district following their arrest on June 19.
The police initially claimed the duo were arrested for violation of prohibitory orders, but that claim has come under question.