Not a mere transfer but harsher punishment for cops: Celebs demand justice for ‘George Floyds of India’

Team Udayavani, Jun 27, 2020, 1:34 PM IST

New Delhi : The alleged custodial death of a father-son duo on June 19 in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin district has sent shockwaves across the country, with celebrities and politicians demanding strong action to be taken against the cops who committed the inhuman act.

P Jayaraj and his son Fennix, arrested for violating lockdown norms over business hours of their mobile phone shop, died at a hospital in Kovilpatti, with the relatives alleging that they were severely thrashed at a police station by police personnel.

Four policemen, including two sub-inspectors have been suspended in connection with the case.

Comparing this brutal act to the killing of George Floyd in US, Independent Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani in a tweet said “Dear Bollywood celebrities, have you heard what happened in Tamil Nadu or does your instagram activism only extend for other countries? The George Floyds of India are far too many. The story of such police violence & sexual abuse is just heartbreaking.”

Celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra, Samantha Akkineni, Kajjal Agarwal, to Shikar Dhawan and several others have demnded justice for the family.The hashtags #JusticeForJayarajAndBennix and #JusticeForJayarajAndFenix have been trending on all social media platforms for the last couple of days.

In an Instagram post Samantha Akkineni shared the images of Jayaraj and Bennicks, and wrote, “Police brutality needs to stop..this is inhumane and will only result in more loss of faith in the system that is meany to protect (sic).”

I couldn’t even listen to this whole video. Grotesque and gruesome. The cops involved need a harsher punishment than just a transfer ?? #JusticeForJeyarajAndFenix https://t.co/WaoNSIS8ur

— Kajal Aggarwal (@MsKajalAggarwal) June 27, 2020

#JusticeForJayarajandBennicks pic.twitter.com/vGi8m63If2

— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) June 26, 2020

This might just be one case out of many but it takes only one case to begin the snowball effect. #JusticeforJayarajAndFenix
It could’ve been anyone we know. Details are scary and gut wrenching.

— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) June 26, 2020

This is tragic & absolute National Shame. It sends shivers down my spine even reading about it. We all must stand together against this barbaric brutality. #JusticeForJeyarajAndFenix https://t.co/Srn5GFaG7p

— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) 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