JOHOR BARU: Putting himself in the shoes of others has always been an important principle for Insp S. Karnan, driving him to be relentless in carrying out his duties.
The same strong sense of empathy was also what led the 39-year-old policeman to arrest the main suspect in the murder of an elderly couple and their granddaughter in Muar within just five days.
Recalling the incident, Insp Karnan said he and his team from the Muar Criminal Investigation Department had tracked down the suspect all the way to Kuala Lumpur leading to the arrest of the 48-year-old man.
“We received information that the suspect had taken a bus to the Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS) in KL.
“His motorcycle was also found at the Muar station. Through the CCTV at the TBS, we were able to see that he had taken another bus to Pudu Sentral.
“From there, we continued the manhunt and on the fifth day, we finally found him walking alone around the Bukit Bintang area where he was arrested,” he told The Star during the Johor police monthly assembly here yesterday.
It was reported in August that an elderly couple and their 11-year-old granddaughter were killed after their house at Kampung Paya Redan in Pagoh went up in flames.
The fire also caused injuries to the couple’s 14-year-old granddaughter.
The main suspect, who has been charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, is the son of the elderly couple and uncle of the two children.
Insp Karnan, who has been a policeman for more than 14 years, said the case, which involved the death of a child and the elderly, was just one of many heartbreaking cases he had handled over the years.
“I will only feel a sense of relief once the suspects I am after for any case have been charged in court. It is not enough for them to only be arrested.
“I take each case given to me very seriously, and I often ask myself what if this happened to my own family?
“The sense of duty and the feeling I get when I put myself in the shoes of the victims or their family members pushed me to always give my all in carrying my responsibilities,” said the father of two.
Insp Karnan was among those who received an appreciation certificate from the Johor police for their service.
