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**The Hindu: Bail Denied for Police Inspector in Sattankulam Custodial Deaths Case**

**MADURAI, June 24, 2025** – The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court today dismissed the bail petition of suspended Inspector of Police S. Sridhar, the primary accused in the 2020 Sattankulam custodial deaths case involving trader P. Jayaraj and his son J. Benicks.

Justice P. Vadamalai cited the heinous and brutal nature of the crime, in which Jayaraj and Benicks were allegedly beaten with batons while in police custody, as the primary reason for denying bail. The court noted that medical evidence suggests the victims died from complications of blunt force injuries sustained while in custody.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), represented by the Special Public Prosecutor, strongly opposed the bail, arguing that the accused were deliberately prolonging the trial through extensive cross-examination of witnesses. The CBI highlighted the fact that Sridhar had used a significant number of hearings to cross-examine key witnesses, including the Judicial Magistrate and Investigating Officer I. The court agreed that granting bail to Sridhar would likely lead to him absconding and further delay the trial, undermining the High Court’s directive for a speedy resolution. J. Selvarani, wife of Jayaraj and mother of Benicks, also opposed the bail petition.

Sridhar sought bail primarily to prepare his arguments. The court deemed this insufficient grounds for release, emphasizing the severity of the charges and the potential for further delays if bail were granted. The trial is ongoing, with cross-examination of Investigating Officer II currently underway.

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**Context:** *The Hindu* is a major Indian newspaper. This article focuses on a legal decision within India, covering the dismissal of a bail petition in a high-profile case.

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