The family of a man who died in custody three years ago is seeking a court order to compel the police and the government to pay RM1 million in compensation.
Faruq Abdullah's widow and another family member filed the lawsuit at the Shah Alam Sessions Court on May 31, naming the inspector-general of police and the federal government as part of the six defendants.
Lawyer M Manoharan - who is acting for plaintiff Humairah Abdullah, 27, and her sister K Jayanthi, 38 - confirmed the matter, saying that the cause papers have been served on the defendants.
"My client is seeking RM1 million in general, aggravated and exemplary damages. Despite Faruq's custodial death in 2021, no inquest has been carried out until today," Manoharan said.
According to the statement of claim sighted by Malaysiakini, Faruq, 36, died while in custody at the South Klang police station on June 3, 2021.
The plaintiffs claimed that the police have been negligent in safeguarding the deceased's welfare following his arrest on June 2, 2021, over an investigation into an alleged theft of a cooking gas cylinder.
No details on death
Humairah and Jayanthi claimed that five police officers who detained the deceased had used excessive force to the extent of breaking down the door of the deceased's house at Jalan Meranti, Taman Melawati Jaya, Kuala Selangor around 4.30pm on June 2, 2021.
The plaintiffs pointed out that the alleged crime (theft) rules out any claim of the suspect being violent.
The duo claimed that Faruq was in good physical and mental health before his death.
Humairah said following the arrest, a police officer contacted her to inform her that Faruq would be brought to court to be remanded, and he was remanded on June 3, 2021.
On the same day, she was told that Faruq was sick and had not been eating anything since the remand.
Humairah alleged that while she was waiting to give food to Faruq at the South Klang police station at 3.45pm later that day, a female police officer told her that Faruq had died in custody but did not share any further details.
Through the suit, the plaintiffs are also seeking RM256,128 in special damages, five percent interest on the special damages award calculated from June 3, 2021, to the date of settlement, costs, and any other relief deemed fit by the civil court.
The Sessions Court has set June 25 for case management of the civil action. - Mkini
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