An incident in the Tuticorin district of the southern state of Tamil Nadu has now sparked intense outrage on social media and amongst political leaders and film personalities. The event revolves around the custodial death of father-son duo Jayaraj and Fenix at the hands of the police.
The horrific incident
As per eyewitnesses, Jayaraj and his son Fenix were arrested by the police for failing to follow the curfew procedures. An FIR was filed against them, and it is said that two SI’s reportedly manhandled Jayaraj while in custody. When Fenix intervened here, he was beaten and as per a horrific revelation, he was even sexually abused.
Later, Fenix complained of uneasiness and was shifted to a hospital, where he passed away. A few hours later, Jayaraj breathed his last too. Although eyewitnesses reveal that the duo died due to manhandling by the police, the FIR says that the father-son duo succumbed to injuries while they were protesting against their arrest. The police, as per the FIR, said: “Jayaraj and Fenix sat on the ground and abused us verbally and rolled on the ground. In this, they suffered internal injuries“.
The incident sparks outrage
Following the episode, netizens showed their displeasure at the incident. Although AIADMK announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the bereaved family, several users and celebrities called for stricter action against the accused. Since the incident, tag #JusticeforJayarajAndFenix has been trending heavily on the internet. Here are some of the posts in this regard:
This is brutal!!
No one is above the law, justice must be done for this inhuman act.
Justice delayed is justice denied.#JusticeforJayarajAndFenix pic.twitter.com/zN69V6Gx2A— Anjali (@yoursanjali) June 26, 2020
#JusticeforJayarajAndFenix
Those 2Cops deserve to be behind bars forever. I think it's high time, We need a New & Exclusive Emergency HelpLine, to file a compliant against corrupt cops & corrupt ppl who (mis)Uses their power , so dat any commonman can contact when in danger ? pic.twitter.com/Rndq3tMnDw— Kaajal Pasupathi (@kaajalActress) June 26, 2020
We empathized for George Floyd. Now, why not for Our fellow Indians? PLEASE? Do not sideline this issue. Kindly read more about it on the internet. Police? #JusticeforJayarajAndFenix #JusticeForJeyarajAndFenix #Thoothukudi #TamilNadu @ndtv @ZeeNewsEnglish @BDUTT @fayedsouza pic.twitter.com/6calV53phc
— Ahmed Meeran (@ahmedmeeranoffl) June 26, 2020
What happened to a father and son at the hands of those policemen is wrong at every human level and every single person irrespective of place of origin or political belief needs to stand up for them. It is plain horrific and wrong. DEMAND action. #JusticeforJayarajAndFenix
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) June 26, 2020
"Men get assaulted too"
Yes they do. Infact, 2 men were murdered today itself and I can see every feminist being vocal about it, amplifying it. This is your time to speak up.#JusticeForJayrajAndBennicks #JusticeforJayarajAndFenix— Shreyyy (@Shrey_zone) June 26, 2020
Sharing the victims picture is not going to help. This is the picture to share and retweet. #JusticeforJayarajAndFenix pic.twitter.com/wfEtXeBXW6
— Sushmitha Shivani (@SushiShivani) June 26, 2020
Horrified to hear about the brutality inflicted upon Jeyaraj & Fenix in Tamil Nadu. We must raise our voice and make sure justice is given to the family. ? #JusticeForJeyarajAndFenix
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 26, 2020
What happened to Jayaraj and Fenix is a national shame.
This is India’s #GeorgeFloyd moment and needs everyone’s unequivocal support. The father-son duo were brutalised by those who’re meant to ‘protect’ us
Needs to stop.
Demand #JusticeforJayarajAndFenix #EndPoliceBrutality
— Zeba Warsi (@Zebaism) June 26, 2020
With humbleness,I request our cinema fraternity and those who believe in humanity to continue raising their voice and keep the momentum on. Since the judicial process is going on, it’s the right time. Justice prevails ??#JusticeforJayarajAndFenix pic.twitter.com/B9659GJaFx
— Vikraman R (@vikramGalatta) June 26, 2020
#JusticeforJayarajAndFenix
Brutality of any kind is unacceptable…
Everyone is equal before law…
All lives are precious..
?— VISHNU VISHAL – stay home stay safe (@TheVishnuVishal) June 26, 2020
Source: Free Press Journal
