Case involving Dharmendran's death should not be discussed outside court - IGP

Detainee N. Dharmendran's death should not be discussed outside the court as it can prejudice and subjudice the case, says Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

He said the four policemen accused in the matter would be called to defend themselves at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

He said this in a counter-statement on the case in connection with a statement by Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) chairman Datuk Yaacob Md Sam.

EAIC, in its report on the case found the death of the detainee on May 21, 2013 was due to the use of force by the police.

Khalid said Yaacob's statement had given the perception the Royal Malaysian Police had failed to take action against the policemen involved.

"In fact, from the outset, investigations against them had been conducted comprehensively, closely and transparently," he said, adding that the police had never protected its officers and members involved in any criminal behaviour.

In fact, the four policemen involved in the case had been comprehensively investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code and charged on June 5, 2013, said the IGP.

He said the trial of the policemen would be continued for four days, beginning May 24, at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

Dharmendran was detained on May 11, 2013 and died on May 21, 2013 while in detention at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK KL).

In a follow-up operation, four policemen from IPK KL were detained and charged with causing his death.

On Dec 12, 2014, the High Court here freed the policemen from a charge of murder because there was no prima facie case against them.