MIC demands independent investigation into Ganapathy's death

 

MIC has called for an independent investigation into the death of A Ganapathy, whose legs were amputated and later died after being detained by the police.

In a statement today, MIC vice-president Sivarraajh Chandran stressed the latest tragedy proved the importance of setting up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

"The death of Ganapathy - which occurred almost one month after being admitted to the Selayang Hospital's intensive care unit following his arrest by police to assist an investigation - must be probed immediately by the Home Ministry.

"The deceased's mother claimed that her son was denied his right to receive medical treatment, and he was beaten, resulting in a serious injury while he was in detention. Thus the ministry should pay attention and provide an answer accordingly," he said.

Sivarraajh said incidents involving custodial death or injury were not something new, and these incidents keep on happening with no end in sight.

He added that the home minister should ensure the family members of Ganapathy would not be exposed to threats after the revelation.

Sivarraajh said that cases like this had eroded the public's confidence in the police.

"Every single death or injury occurred during the detention must be answered by the relevant authorities, especially the police and the home ministry.

"The death of Ganapathy once again proved the importance of establishing the IPCMC immediately," he said, adding it is critical to ensure justice prevails for the victims and to improve the reputation of the authorities.

Forty-year-old A Ganapathy was arrested on Feb 24 to facilitate an investigation into a sibling who was wanted by the police.

He was released on March 8 but was admitted to Selayang Hospital's intensive care unit.

His 60-year-old mother, S Thanaletchumy, said her son told her that police had beaten him with a rubber hose.

While at the hospital, Ganapathy was confirmed to have kidney problems and his legs had to be amputated.

His family claimed Ganapathy's health deteriorated because of his stint in police custody, resulting in his leg being swollen and bruised as though he had been beaten.

Ganapathy had worked as a trader selling cow's milk and had two children aged five and seven years old.

Gombak district police chief Arifai Tarawe said police are waiting for the autopsy report and will investigate the death. - Mkini