‘Rogue’ policemen suspended
> They will resume duties if no wrongdoing found, says Penang police chief
GEORGE TOWN: All eight rank and file policemen who were allegedly in cahoots with a man who escaped police custody on Sunday have been suspended from duty.
Penang police chief Datuk Chuah Ghee Lye said their suspension will last until the completion of investigations.
He said suspension is the usual procedure followed to ensure investigations are conducted smoothly.
“They will resume their duties if no wrongdoing is found,” he said at a press conference yesterday after attending the Penang police Hari Raya open house luncheon.
Chuah said the completed investigation papers (IP) will be submitted to Bukit Aman for further action.
“The IP will also be referred to public prosecutors for review and further action.”
The man, identified as Anuar Ayat, 43, escaped in Sungai Nibong Besar after he and two others were supposed to be taken to the Balik Pulau Hospital.
They had feigned illness to be allowed to visit their families, and the act was allegedly facilitated by policemen in cahoots with them.
The eight, comprising four lance corporals, three corporals and a sergeant, have since been released on police bail after their remand ended yesterday.
Another suspect, a 56-year-old fisherman, however, had his remand extended by another three days after his first remand expired.
Police applied for the extension yesterday which was granted by assistant court registrar Ahmad Tajuddin Zain.
Police are also intensifying the search for Anuar, who was charged with drug trafficking a few years ago.
Police have recorded the statements of 15 people.
They are members of the public as well as the families of the detainees and the escapee.
On the Bayan Baru centralised lock-up facility review, Chuah said the Bukit Aman Integrity and Standard Compliance Department is looking into the standard operating procedures.
“We will make improvements if any weaknesses are found,” he said.