Rehab centre resident dies, warden arrested

A 31-year-old resident of a drug rehabilitation centre in Kubang Pasu, Kedah, succumbed to injuries reportedly sustained at the hands of a warden who foiled his escape attempt.

Harian Metro reported that the 46-year-old warden had allegedly stepped on the victim's neck and kicked his chest, after placing him in an isolation cell following an attempted escape from the facility at around 3am on Nov 4.

The victim, who was admitted in April for marijuana addiction, had only made it about 1km away from the facility before he was found by the warden, according to Kedah police chief Kamarul Zaman Mamat.

"The warden along with another staff member on a motorcycle found the victim by the roadside around 1km from the rehabilitation centre.

"The victim who was already in a weak state was taken back in a van and placed in an isolation cell," said Kamarul.

Kamarul further said the warden had gone into the victim's cell at 11am yesterday and stepped on his neck, as well as delivering blows and kicks on his chest.

"Two senior residents witnessed the incident and they immediately tried to defuse the warden's outburst and continued attack on the victim," he said, adding that the victim shared a cell with six other residents.

"The warden's action led to the victim sustaining injuries on his chest and neck and bloodied nose. About seven hours later, the victim passed out while showering," he said.

He said the warden and other trainees had taken the victim to Jitra Hospital but he was confirmed dead on the way.

A doctor confirmed the time of death at 7.50pm and later filed a police report, describing bruises and injuries on the neck, chest, below the chin, and there were also nail marks, believed to be from a fight.

Kamarul said the warden, who has since been arrested, is currently remanded for seven days to assist in investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code. - Mkini