Why an inquest? Police should explain

newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Police should provide an explanation on the mooting of an inquest over a criminal investigation into alleged unlawful actions by police, who shot dead three armed robbery suspects recently, Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) adviser N. Surendran said.An inquest is usually held when there is uncertainty over the cause of death.

Surendran said there was insufficient basis for police to call for an inquest over a criminal investigation.

“When a criminal investigation by police is able to determine what happened, there would be no need for an inquest.

“In this case we do not know what investigation was carried out by police in the wake of the shooting. We don’t have enough facts to determine why the authorities prefer calling for an inquest instead of a criminal investigation and prosecution by police. They must clearly explain why an inquest is preferable,” Surendran told theSun.

On Sept 14 in Batu Arang, Selangor, three men were shot dead by police after a highspeed chase. The police said two of the men, Thavaselvan Govindasamy and Maghendran Santhirasegaran were on the wanted list, while the third, Janarthanan was Thavaselvan’s brother-in law.

Surendran said if the killing was unlawful, the family can file a civil suit against the police and government.

The families of the deceased said Janarthanan’s wife, Moganambal Govindasamy was also in the car but is now missing. Police deny seeing her in the car with the three men.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador on Saturday said police would seek an inquest into the deaths.