Actor and politician Kamal Haasan has responded to the recent sentencing of nine policemen to death in the high-profile custodial death case of P. Jayaraj and his son J. Bennix. While acknowledging the significance of the verdict, he reiterated his personal opposition to the death penalty.
In a poignant statement, Kamal reflected on the brutal circumstances surrounding the deaths, describing the incidents as a painful reminder of the violence inflicted by those tasked with public protection. The case dates back to June 2020, when Jayaraj and Bennix were arrested in Sathankulam for allegedly violating COVID-19 lockdown regulations. Following severe custodial torture, both passed away shortly after being remanded to judicial custody, igniting nationwide protests and calls for accountability.
The investigation eventually shifted to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) due to public outcry, leading to charges against multiple police personnel. After a lengthy legal process, a special court sentenced nine policemen to death, a rare outcome in custodial death cases.
Kamal acknowledged the collective effort of the victims’ family, local residents, activists, and investigators in achieving this verdict. Nevertheless, he reiterated his stance against capital punishment, advocating for life imprisonment without parole as a means of addressing severe crimes. He expressed concern for the families of the sentenced policemen, emphasizing that their actions led to unintentional suffering for innocents.
In his remarks, Kamal broadened the discussion on accountability, calling for investigations into others involved in the case, including the medical professionals who failed to conduct proper examinations and officials who attempted to cover up the events leading to the deaths. His comments highlighted the systemic failures that allowed such a tragedy to occur.
Kamal stressed that no one should be above the law, regardless of their status, and urged for the eradication of atrocities committed under the guise of power. He underscored the need for systemic justice and accountability to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
On the cinematic front, Kamal Haasan was recently seen in “Thug Life,” directed by Mani Ratnam, in which he portrayed a powerful mafia figure. Looking ahead, he is set to work on several high-profile projects, including “KH x RK,” a significant collaboration with Rajinikanth, and anticipated sequels like “Vikram 2.