KL police chief: Chemistry, pathology reports pending in custodial death case

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 — Police are awaiting the full report from the Chemistry Department and official pathology results to complete their investigation into the recent death of a man in police custody.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the cause of death of the local man, who was in his 40s, had yet to be determined pending the reports.

He said the investigation was being conducted independently and thoroughly by the Bukit Aman Death in Custody Criminal Investigation Unit (USJKT), in collaboration with the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS).

“The investigation is being conducted from various angles, taking into account all necessary evidence. We ask all parties to be patient and allow the police time to complete the investigation,” he told a press conference here today.

Fadil also urged the public to refrain from commenting or speculating on the case, warning that the dissemination of unverified information could be misleading and cause public concern.

Outlining the chronology of events, he said the man had been detained to assist in investigations into three separate police reports involving drug-related offences and other crimes.

“A record check revealed that the deceased had 44 criminal records, comprising 18 drug-related cases and 26 other criminal offences. He had also admitted to involvement in 17 other housebreaking and theft cases in the Cheras district,” he said.

Fadil said the man was detained in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs). However, he reportedly fell ill while in custody and was taken to Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) for further treatment.

“The suspect was confirmed to have died at 1.52 am on Oct 1 while receiving treatment at the hospital,” he said.

Previously, Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) urged police to investigate the death as a homicide following allegations that the man had sustained serious injuries to his body. — Bernama