Family refutes 'no foul play' claim with pictures of wounds

The family of 42-year-old P Karuna Nithi - who was the latest to die in police custody - yesterday released pictures of fresh wounds on his body to dispute police claims there was no foul play involved.

Speaking on behalf of the family, former Kapar MP S Manikavasagam (left) said the family discovered fresh swollen marks and bruises on Karuna's body when they were allowed to see his body on Sunday. There was also blood on his ears and head.

was replying to Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar, who had on Sunday said initial investigations revealed Karuna was not tortured by police.

He said the deceased's brother, Ilam, 48, said he had met Karuna on Friday when he was charged with causing hurt at a Tampin magistrate's court and that he did not have any bruises on his body.

"The initial post-mortem report showed the wounds were relatively new. There was fresh blood on certain parts of his body," he said.

"The report also showed there was no damage to internal organs or broken bones."

The family has been told the full autopsy report will be ready on June 14. He said immediate action should be taken against those responsible for Karuna's death.

On May 28, Karuna visited his estranged wife regarding their two children and a scuffle took place following a heated argument.

The same night, he went to the Tampin police headquarters to lodge a report over the matter but was instead arrested and remanded for three days.

Family members were trying to raise the RM4,000 bail when they were informed by telephone at 9.45pm on Saturday that he had died at the lock-up at 7pm.

Ilam said his brother was well-educated and had no criminal record, but was going through a minor family dispute at the time of his death.

Negri Sembilan police chief Osman Salleh also said there were no signs of foul play and police have classified the case as sudden death.

In a text reply to The Malay Mail on Sunday, Khalid said it was just unfortunate that Karuna died in police lock up.

He gave an assurance that no stone would be left unturned to get to the bottom of the matter.

- The Malay Mail