ROLE OF POLICE IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM -FOCUS ON THE SATHANKULAM CUSTODIAL DEATH CASE

This paper analyzes the misuse of police power through the lens of the 2020 Sathankulam custodial death case in Tamil Nadu, where a father and son were tortured to death during the COVID-19 lockdown. The incident highlights a severe violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and exposes deep systemic failures, specifically the negligence of both the medical doctor and the magistrate who failed to protect the victims. The paper tracks the six-year legal battle that led to a historic April 2026 verdict, where all nine accused police officers were sentenced to death. It emphasizes the critical role of institutional courage, focusing on the vital eyewitness testimony of woman constable R. Revathi, which helped overcome police cover-ups. Ultimately, the study argues that stopping custodial violence requires strict accountability and ethical integrity within the justice system rather than just legal reforms.