Madras High Court Stays CB-CID Investigation in 2019 Madurai Custodial Death Case
The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Wednesday granted an interim stay on parts of a trial court order that had directed the CB-CID to continue investigating the custodial death of a 17-year-old boy in 2019.
Background of the Case
The case pertains to the death of Karthick, a 17-year-old poclain operator, who was taken into custody on January 13, 2019, in connection with a burglary at Kalyanasundaram’s residence. Karthick was allegedly subjected to severe physical torture by police personnel from SS Colony Police Station over three days. He was admitted to Government Rajaji Hospital on January 18, 2019, with multiple external injuries and kidney damage caused by the assault, ultimately succumbing to his injuries on January 24, 2019.
Trial Court Verdict
In September, the trial court convicted four police officers involved in the custodial torture —
Inspector S. Alexraj (55)
Special Sub-Inspector R. Ravichandran (61)
Head Constable S. Ravichandran (55)
Grade 1 Constable C. Satheesh Kumar (38)
All four were sentenced to 11 years of rigorous imprisonment. The court had also directed the CB-CID to file a supplementary chargesheet against three additional police personnel — ex-Inspector M. Arunachalam, ex-SI P. Kannan, and retired SI K. Premchandran — for allegedly assisting the four accused in destroying evidence. Disciplinary action had also been ordered against the first investigating officer and two government doctors for procedural lapses.
High Court Stay
Hearing a petition filed by the CB-CID, Justice Sunder Mohan of the Madras High Court stayed the portions of the trial court’s order that:
Directed CB-CID to continue its investigation and file a supplementary report against the three additional police personnel
Ordered disciplinary action against the first investigating officer and two government doctors
The interim stay effectively pauses the further investigation and disciplinary proceedings until the High Court delivers a final verdict on the CB-CID’s petition.
Significance
The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding custodial torture and accountability of police officials. The High Court’s stay underscores the procedural and legal scrutiny involved in ensuring that justice is served while maintaining due process in high-profile custodial death cases.