UN Secretary - General Antonio Guterres wants the death of a father and a son from Sathankulam in Tamil Nadu while in police custody with alleged signs of torture investigated, according to his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
"Every death of all these cases as a principle need to be fully investigated, " Dujarric said on Friday when he was asked about the deaths of P Jayaraj and his son J Fennix, allegedly due to torture by police after their arrest on June 19.
Human rights organisations have called for ensuring police accountability in India.
Human Rights Watch South Asia Director Meenakshi Ganguly said, "As the world responds with horror at the killing of George Floyd, it is important for authorities in India to also embark upon robust efforts to ensure police reform, accountability, and putting an end to the culture of impunity. "
The killing of Floyd by police in Minneapolis has sparked a nation - wide movement in the US that has brought out into the open long - standing tradition of police brutality against minorities.
The protests have spread to several countries around the world leading to an examination of police conduct, particularly towards minorities, and demands for reforms to end impunity.
Ganguly said about the Sathankulam case, "Despite numerous court directives and arrest procedures, the two recent deaths in Tamil Nadu has exposed yet again how police officers believe not only that they have the right to 'teach someone a lesson', but as was reported in the magistrate's inquiry, that they will not be held accountable. "
Amnesty International India Executive Director Avinash Kumar said, "The deaths of Jayaraj and Fennix once again signal towards India's continuing failure to hold its police accountable. "
He noted that "according to the 2018 National Crimes Record Bureau data, Tamil Nadu accounted for the second highest deaths in custody".
"The Tamil Nadu State government cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the torture meted out by its police officers.
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