NOT ANOTHER DEATH IN CUSTODY! Now, who's responsible?

SUARAM expresses regret and is disappointed at the latest death in custody involving deceased, Isparan a/l Subramaniam, 37, on the 29th May 2012. Isparan was pronounced dead at about 10:30AM at Sungai Siput Utara Police Station’s lock-up.

The post mortem result from Ipoh Hospital indicates that Isparan died of “Perforated Peptic Ulcer with Peritonitis”. Isparan was suspected as a drug addict and was arrested and detained at Sungai Siput lock-up before his premature demise. He is survived by his wife and three children. Isparan’s family members are in grief and were haunted by many questions left unanswered:-

> The deceased had never had any gastreous problems and/or anything relating to gastreous problems prior to the arrest. How could he have begotten “Perforated Peptic Ulcer with Peritonitis” while under custody?

> If the cause of death according to the post mortem is true, which the family members vehemently deny, why have not Isparan been referred to the hospital immediately?

Gross negligence over and over again

SUARAM questions and will continue to question the gross negligence by the Officer-in-Charge’s acts and/or omissions in failing in his duty to ensure the detainees are always safe and in good health. We demand that the Officer-in-Charge produce his daily Journal immediately for scrutiny, failing which, the allegation of tampering with evidence by the Officer-in-Charge is inevitable.

It is in the best interest of the public that the Chief Police of Perak answers these questions. Otherwise, the public will hold the Officer-in-Charge and/or police liable for negligence and as result caused Isparan’s death.

SUARAM urges the government to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry to determine WHY instead of HOW Isparan died in police custody. SUARAM pushes and will continue to push for the formation of Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) to prevent future death in police custody.

R Thevarajan

Right to Justice Coordinator