Actor and politician Kamal Haasan has recently commented on the sentencing of nine policemen to death in the notable Sathankulam custodial death case. While he called the verdict significant, he reiterated his opposition to capital punishment.
The case revolves around the deaths of P. Jayaraj and his son J. Bennix in June 2020, when they were arrested for allegedly violating COVID-19 lockdown rules in Sathankulam, Tamil Nadu. Reports indicate that the two were subjected to severe torture in custody, which led to their deaths shortly after being held. This incident sparked widespread outrage and protests across the nation, demanding accountability for those involved.
In response to public pressure, the investigation was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which subsequently charged multiple police officers. After a lengthy legal process, a special court has sentenced nine policemen to death, marking a rare occurrence of capital punishment in custodial death cases. This ruling serves as a significant moment in India’s ongoing struggle for justice against police brutality.
Kamal Haasan expressed his acknowledgment of the relentless efforts by the victims’ family, local activists, and investigators in their pursuit of justice. Even so, he emphasized his personal stance against the death penalty, advocating for life imprisonment without parole for those guilty of heinous crimes. He raised concerns about the collateral damage inflicted on the families of the convicted policemen, stating their suffering should not be overlooked.
Haasan elaborated on the need for broader accountability, highlighting the roles of individuals who might have been complicit in covering up the crime. He specifically called for action against the doctor who certified the victims without a thorough examination and the officials who failed to uphold their duty. He strongly condemned the political leaders who trivialized the circumstances surrounding the deaths, asserting that those in power must be held accountable for their actions.
Reflecting on the societal implications, Kamal emphasized the need to eradicate the “intoxication of power” that fosters such brutalities. He underscored that no individual is above the law and called for systemic changes to ensure justice and accountability in similar cases.
In addition to his political activism, Haasan remains active in the film industry. Recently, he starred in “Thug Life,” directed by Mani Ratnam, and he is preparing for several highly anticipated projects, including the historic film “KH x RK” alongside Rajinikanth, marking their first collaboration in nearly 47 years. Additionally, Haasan is set to work on sequels like “Vikram 2,” promising to continue his legacy in Indian cinema.