Recently, a big decision was taken in the famous custodial death case that took place in Sathanakulam in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu in 2020. On the basis of the investigation report of CBI, the special court of Madurai convicted 9 policemen and sentenced them to death. P. Jayaraj and his son J. were booked for opening the shop during the lockdown 5 years ago. Benix was taken into custody by the police. It is alleged that the policemen brutally beat both of them in the lockup overnight, due to which they died. In this entire case, it was because of the courage shown by a woman constable, Revati, that these 9 policemen were punished for the brutality committed by them. Let us know who is Revati, who became the main witness in this case?
This case pertains to Satankulam police station of Thoothukudi district. Revati was posted at this police station at the time of the incident. She reached her duty at eight o'clock in the night. The atmosphere of the police station was somewhat changed that day. Reason: Screaming voices from the lockup, voices that were begging for mercy. The only thing that could be heard was, "Leave the head, don't hit me, it is hurting a lot, a mistake has been made. We will not open the shop..." These voices still echo in Revati's ears. These voices are of the same P. Jayaraj and his son J. Bennix, who could not get up after being beaten in the police station.
When Judicial Magistrate M.S. When Bharathidasan reached Satankulam police station for investigation, Revathi told him the whole story of that night, but before that she also took a promise. Revati said, Sir, whatever you want to know about this case, I will give you every information, but before that you will have to guarantee the safety of my husband, both daughters and job. After getting assurance from the magistrate, Revathi opened the black book of crimes of all the 9 policemen one by one. There was no fear on Revathi's face that day as the people against whom she was testifying were senior officers and employees of the police station.
Revathi was arrested by Judicial Magistrate M.S. Bharathidasan became a government witness in this case. Revathi told in her testimony how the father and son were brutally beaten throughout the night. Sounds of screams were coming from the lockup. Both of them had bodies soaked in blood. Both of them were being crushed with boots. The torture was not stopped even for a minute. Revati told that the victims were pleading for help. He was saying, “Amma, it is hurting a lot… leave me”… This scene was so horrifying that she could not control herself and after some time went out of the police station.
Revathi told the magistrate that the accused policemen used to stop only from time to time to drink alcohol. The voice of Sub-Inspector Balakrishnan was clearly heard, who was shouting loudly in the station. When the torture was stopped, both of them were drenched in blood. The Inspector of Sathankulam Police Station got the blood from the injured duo cleaned on the floor. During this time, once he asked the injured P. Jayaraj for water and the officers scolded him. Then he tied both their hands and started beating them. She could not see this scene and went out of the police station.
Revati says that this decision was not easy for her. The accused officers were senior and influential to him. The atmosphere at the station was completely hostile. Colleagues put pressure on me to remain silent. Even the magistrate had to deploy guards for security during the statement. Many times she hesitated in giving her statement due to fear and insecurity, but finally after assurance of security, she gave the statement. It was on the basis of their testimony that it helped in identifying the accused and proving their guilt.
Revathi's testimony gave a strong foundation to the case, due to which the culprits could be punished. This story is not just about a case, but about the courage that rises from within the system and paves the way for justice. The story of Head Constable Revati shows that the cost of speaking the truth may be high, but its impact can change history. This is an example which shows the importance of honesty and courage in the justice system.
