AMPANG JAYA, Jan 27 — Do not provoke or cause trouble.
That was the warning issued by Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar to those who wished to take part in the funeral procession of A Kugan, who died while in custody at the Taipan, USJ 8 Subang Jaya police station on Jan 22.
He said those taking part in the procession from Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) to Bt 14, Puchong, should not provoke racial sentiments that may spark untoward incidents.
Ismail cautioned that stern action would be taken against “trouble-makers” at tomorrow’s procession, scheduled to start at 2pm.
“I really hope the procession will be a peaceful one and one that is in accordance with Kugan’s faith, and done with proper rituals and rites. Police respect the deceased family’s needs and thus we have allowed the procession from UMMC to the Hindu Crematorium in Bt 14 Puchong.
“However if people try to divert the procession or start a demonstration, we will initiate action. I urge them remain calm and not be emotional and please stop spreading unwanted messages which does not benefit anyone,” he said.
He told reporters this at the Ampang Jaya Police Headquarters, after chairing a coordination meeting on the investigation of Kugan’s death, in the presence of Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar.
He also warned those who may take advantage of the procession for their own mileage.
Kugan who was detained on Jan 15 on suspicion of being involved in luxury car theft cases, collapsed and died at the station on Jan 22, while being questioned by police.
Police initially classified the case as sudden death but the 23-year-old’s family later released photographs of the deceased with bruises and severe marks on his body, deep cuts on his wrists and bruises on his legs, apparently taken at the Serdang Hospital mortuary, while awaiting a post-mortem.
This then prompted the family to request for a second post-mortem at the UMMC.
Subsequently Attorney-General (A-G) Tan Sri Gani Patail, ordered the case to be reclassified as murder after the photographs were made public.
Asked on Majlis Permuafakatan Ummah’s (Pewaris) decision to gather at the UMMC tomorrow to protest the procession, Ismail said: “I would like to make it clear again, don’t take things for granted.”
“We have said it many times, do not create any chaotic situation or else be prepared to face the law if you want to break the law,” he added.
Asked if any police personal would be charged with Kugan’s death, he said the police would await the A-G’s directive before initiating any action.
Meanwhile, deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, senator T. Murugiah today urged everyone to restrain from any form of demonstration, including displaying banners condemning the police.
“Since the government has fulfilled the family’s request for a second post-mortem and also pledged an in-depth investigation into the matter, there should be no demonstrations,” he said.
He added that everyone must respect the law of the country and let the investigation take its course.
“Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the Attorney General had given assurance that there will be no cover up and that a thorough investigation will be carried out. So we should respect the government’s initiative,” said Murugiah. — Bernama
No comments:
Post a Comment