Teoh Beng Hock exhumed for second autopsy (Update)

Teoh Beng Hock exhumed for second autopsy

KAJANG: Teoh Beng Hock’s body was exhumed on Saturday for a second autopsy at Sungai Buloh Hospital.

The exhumation had been ordered by the inquest into the political aide’s recent death, after Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand testified that his likely cause of death was homicide and not suicide.

The body, reportedly in good condition, was sent to the Sungai Buloh Hospital where it was subjected to X-ray and CT scans.

Teoh was found dead on the fifth floor of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office in Shah Alam on July 16 and an inquest into his death is ongoing at the Shah Alam Coroner’s Court.

Members of the media started gathering at the Nirvana Memorial Garden in Semenyih early in the morning and there were almost 40 pressmen by the time the prayer rituals started at 9am.

The grave had been cordoned off with about three metres high of white canvas, thus obscuring the view of the pressmen and passers-by.

By 10.40am, 10 cemetery workers had disinterred the casket and Teoh’s body was identified by his siblings Teoh Lee Lan and Teoh Beng Kee.

The casket was then wrapped up in plastic sheets before it was placed in a hearse and headed for Sungai Buloh Hospital, where Teoh’s parents were waiting.

It is learnt that Soh Cher Wei, who went through a marriage ceremony with Teoh after his death, stayed home as she is six months pregnant with his child.

Dr Pornthip was present to observe the exhumation, together with Sungai Buloh Hospital chief pathologist Dr Shahidan Md Noor.

Lee Lan had earlier told the press that she felt heavy hearted over the exhumation but hoped the second autopsy would reveal her brother’s cause of death.

“We are prepared to find out the truth,” she said. Gobind Singh Deo, counsel for the Teoh family, said the body appeared to be in good condition.

“As far as I can tell, it looked like it was in good condition. But I am a lawyer, not a doctor, so we’ll see what the experts say,” he said, adding that there were six pathologists present including Dr Pornthip.

“Dr Pornthip was here to observe the exhumation. We don’t want any complaints later on (about the procedures). The post-mortem will be done tomorrow at 9.30am, and I was told they hope to get it done by early afternoon,” he said.

Gobind added that he did no see anyone from MACC, saying they “should have sent a representative”.

Also present were Teoh’s former boss Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang and another Selangor state executive councillor Ronnie Liu.

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