Cops investigating fifth custodial death case in three weeks

Police have launched an investigation into another custodial death, which is the fifth such case in three weeks.

The latest case involved a 38-year-old man who was detained at the Indera Mahkota central lock-up in Kuantan, Pahang under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Bukit Aman's Integrity and Standards Compliance Department director Azri Ahmad said the man was transferred to the lock-up from the Penor Prison in Kuantan to attend court scheduled for today. 

However, he said on Jan 28, the man complained about chest pain and was brought to Kuantan Hospital for treatment.

"On Feb 2, the Kuantan Hospital informed that the detained person had passed away due to tuberculosis.

"The Criminal Investigation Unit on Deaths in Custody under the Bukit Aman Integrity and Standards Compliance Department will conduct an investigation into the case," Azri said.

This is the fifth custodial death incident since Jan 13. The previous four cases occurred in police lock-ups.

On Jan 13, a 63-year-old man died at the Taiping district police headquarters lock-up in Perak.

Three days later, a 37-year-old man passed away at the Pengkalan Chepa lock-up police station in Kelantan. 

On Jan 28, a 38-year-old man died at the Marang police station lock-up in Terengganu.

A day later, another detainee, also aged 38, died shortly after being detained by police in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. - Mkini