Suaram calls for inquest into latest death at lock-up in Bentong

Suaram today called for an inquest into the death of a 30-year-old man at the Bentong police station lock-up.

In a statement, Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy (photo, above) said the death of G Jestus Kevin raised worrying questions as to how the deceased was treated by the police during the police detention.

The human rights activist urged the government to investigate the death according to Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC).

"If there is proof that the death is caused by an unlawful act, the perpetrator and the higher ranks must be charged in court," he said.

It was reported that the man was nabbed on April 2 for alleged theft and found dead on April 5.

According to Bentong district police chief Yusof Unis, police personnel on duty found that the victim experienced breathing difficulty at about 12.50am yesterday and called for an ambulance.

He said when the ambulance arrived at lock-up, the victim was found dead.

The body of the deceased was sent to Bentong Hospital where a Covid-19 test would be conducted.

Sevan also raised concerns about the health and welfare of the detainees at lock-ups nationwide while the country is fighting hard to contain Covid-19.

He urged the police to provide janitorial utensils to the detainees and pay attention to their health issues.

Sevan reiterated the importance for the government to introduce the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) as a way to improve the infrastructure and accountability system of the police.

At the same time, IPCMC would eliminate torture and deaths at the detention, he said.

On March 18, de facto Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Takiyuddin Hassan reportedly said he would review the IPCMC Bill together with the home minister, and their views would be shared with the Security Cluster led by the defence minister before it is discussed in cabinet. - Mkini