CBI, Selvarani Oppose Plea by Sattankulam Custodial Deaths Accused to Turn Approver

Quick Summary

• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and J. Selvarani, whose husband P. Jayaraj and son J. Benicks died due to custodial torture at Sattankulam police station in 2020, have objected to an application filed by suspended inspector S. Sridhar seeking to turn approver in the case.
• The CBI’s counter affidavit states that their investigation identified Sridhar as the main conspirator who instigated other police officers to torture Jayaraj and Benicks, leading to fatal blunt injuries.
• Selvarani opposed sridhar’s application, stating it was intended to delay trial proceedings as there where already multiple eyewitnesses available.
• Sridhar filed his application claiming he wanted to make full disclosure about the incident and requested a pardon. The trial court has deferred the matter for a hearing on July 28.
• In June 2025, the Madurai Bench of madras High Court had dismissed Sridhar’s bail petition citing seriousness of charges against him and noting that trial was nearing completion.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The objections raised by both the CBI and J. Selvarani point towards their concern regarding justice being served for what is widely perceived as a brutal instance of custodial violence in India-a recurring issue drawing meaningful public outrage nationally over recent years. Highlighting concrete evidence against suspended Inspector S. Sridhar underscores efforts by law enforcement agencies like CBI toward accountability within India’s police system.

However,delays caused by last-minute applications such as turning approver could be counterproductive given that this high-profile case appears close to conclusion after prolonged legal proceedings since 2020. Judicial outcomes here may set precedents not only for addressing institutional misuse of power but also for reforming procedural loopholes often exploited during trials.

Read more: Source