Suhakam to probe latest custodial death

The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) will be visiting the South Klang district police headquarters tomorrow following the death of detainee G Ganeshwaran.

In a statement today, Suhakam said the organisation was "extremely" concerned over yet another custodial death.

According to Malay Mail Online, Ganeshwaran, 29, was picked up by the police yesterday morning and became unwell. He died on the way to Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah at about noon that day.

South Klang police chief assistant commissioner Shamsul Amar Ramli said the deceased had complained of medical problems when he was interrogated at about 10.15am.

"Upon arrival at the interview room at the South Klang police headquarters, the detainee complained of asthma and nausea before proceeding to vomit around 11.15am," he said.

An ambulance arrived an hour later, but Ganeshwaran was declared dead at about 12.40pm.

Shamsul said there were no elements of foul play as there were no signs of external injuries.

The report said an autopsy was performed by six pathologists yesterday evening.

Kicked in the throat

Meanwhile, Klang MP Charles Santiago said his conversation with the deceased's mother, who met the deceased while he was still in custody at the police station, told a different story.

"She was present (at the mortuary), by chance, when her son was taken to the hospital.

"During a brief chat, Ganeshwaran told her he was kicked in the throat... and refrained from eating for two days as he could not swallow food.

"She told me Ganeshwaran had blood in his mouth and lost consciousness while talking to her," said Santiago.

Santiago said Ganeshwaran's mother also claimed that the deceased had no history of asthma.

In view of the contradictory accounts, Santiago said the authorities must conduct a thorough and independent investigation on Ganeshwaran's cause of death.- Mkini