KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman is probing possible misconduct or standard operating procedure (SOP) breaches in the death of a detainee while receiving treatment, says Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus (pic).
The Kuala Lumpur police chief said the investigation is being handled by the Bukit Aman’s Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS).
“The investigation is being conducted by the JIPS’ Criminal and Custodial Death Investigation Unit.
“It will determine the cause of death and whether there was any misconduct or breach of SOP,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Comm Fadil said the cause of death of the local man in his 40s had yet to be finalised, as police were awaiting the full report from the Chemistry Department and the pathology findings.
“The deceased died while receiving treatment at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, at about 1.52am on Oct 1,” he said.
He urged the public to refrain from making statements or spreading unverified information that could cause confusion and anxiety.
“Give the police space to complete the investigation thoroughly and carefully, taking into account all angles and the necessary evidence,” he added.
Comm Fadil said the deceased had a record for 44 criminal offences.
“We have also identified 17 additional cases involving housebreaking and theft in the Cheras area linked to the deceased, based on intelligence and admissions, bringing the total number of cases associated with him to 60,” he said.
The investigation follows a call by the deceased’s family lawyer, N. Surendran, for the case to be investigated as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
Surendran said a pathologist had informed the family that he died from blunt force trauma, which caused six to seven fractured ribs and injuries to his spine.
He also questioned the circumstances surrounding the arrest on Sept 20, saying the family was not informed about it.
A younger sister said the family only learnt of his death after receiving a call from a Bukit Aman officer on the night of Oct 1.
