After 141 days, the body of C Sugumar, who died while being arrested by the police, has finally been laid to rest at the Cheras Road burial grounds today.
This follows his family's unsuccessful attempt to convince the authorities to allow a second autopsy to be conducted by a pathologist of their choice.
Sugumar, 40, died after being arrested on Jan 23 while still in handcuffs. Eye-witnesses said he was chased, handcuffed, beaten and had turmeric smeared on his face.
The police said Sugumar died of heart problems. His family disagreed and wants the police involved charged for murder.
His uncle, A Kuppusamy (left), said that the authorities had failed to provide any satisfactory answer as to how the death occurred.
“The police’s duty is to catch the criminal and take them to the police station, but why didn’t they do that? We have asked that question for three months and no one has dared to give us any answers,” said Kuppusamy, when met at Sugumar's house in Hulu Langat.
This follows his family's unsuccessful attempt to convince the authorities to allow a second autopsy to be conducted by a pathologist of their choice.
Sugumar, 40, died after being arrested on Jan 23 while still in handcuffs. Eye-witnesses said he was chased, handcuffed, beaten and had turmeric smeared on his face.
The police said Sugumar died of heart problems. His family disagreed and wants the police involved charged for murder. His uncle, A Kuppusamy (left), said that the authorities had failed to provide any satisfactory answer as to how the death occurred.
“The police’s duty is to catch the criminal and take them to the police station, but why didn’t they do that? We have asked that question for three months and no one has dared to give us any answers,” said Kuppusamy, when met at Sugumar's house in Hulu Langat.
Gov't took too long
PKR human Rights and legal bureau deputy chief S Jayathas said his party will continue to pressure the government and police over their inaction and the delay in justice.
“Today Sugumar was buried without any justice being provided to the family, we hope he rests in peace but we will continue to fight until the authorities take action,” he said.
He bemoaned at how the family had to wait an agonising 141 days before they were allowed to perform the final rites on Sugumar’s body.
“They decided to take the body from the morgue (instead of waiting for a response from the government) because how long can they grieve? The mother (Manimegalai) herself couldn’t take it,” he said.
The family had written a letter dated June 6 to minister S Subramaniam urging for a withdrawal of the court order or to allow Thai pathologistDr Pornthip Rojasunaninto the county.
Kajang assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh, Dusun Tua assemblyperson Razali Hassan and Hulu Langat MP Che Rosli Che Mat were among other Pakatan Rakyat leaders who attended the funeral.
“Today Sugumar was buried without any justice being provided to the family, we hope he rests in peace but we will continue to fight until the authorities take action,” he said. He bemoaned at how the family had to wait an agonising 141 days before they were allowed to perform the final rites on Sugumar’s body.
“They decided to take the body from the morgue (instead of waiting for a response from the government) because how long can they grieve? The mother (Manimegalai) herself couldn’t take it,” he said.
The family had written a letter dated June 6 to minister S Subramaniam urging for a withdrawal of the court order or to allow Thai pathologistDr Pornthip Rojasunaninto the county. Kajang assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh, Dusun Tua assemblyperson Razali Hassan and Hulu Langat MP Che Rosli Che Mat were among other Pakatan Rakyat leaders who attended the funeral.
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