Every life matters: R Ashwin seeks justice for TN custodial deaths

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin took to Twitter seeking justice the custodial deaths of Tamil Nadu shopkeeper Jeyaraj (63) and his son Bennix (31), who were allegedly killed in police custody in the Thoothukudi (Tuticurin) district of the state.

R Ashwin tweeted on Friday (June 26), saying every single life matters. He added that we should make sure that this act of brutality is meted out with justice, and that he is not sure justice will be any solace for the family of Jeyaraj and Fenix.

Every single life matters. We should make sure that this act of brutality is meted out with justice, and I am not sure justice will be any solace for the family of #JeyarajandFenix and my thoughts are with them.

— Ashwin (During Covid 19)?? (@ashwinravi99) June 26, 2020

The Indian spinner who is also from Chennai added that hopefully we will value lives more than just hashtags, and sincerely hope this is last one of those hashtags we may ever have to use.

Earlier, more than 1,000 people of Sathankulam town in the Thoothukudi district staged a dharna seeking justice on Tuesday (June 23). The family of the deceased and the traders have suspected police torture for the death of the father and son.

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#JusticeForJeyarajAndFenix trended on social media after hundreds of people joined in online protests for accountability from the state police. Apart from Ashwin, Indian badminton player Jwala Gutta and cricketer Shikhar Dhawan also took to twitter seeking justice for the custodial deaths.

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