‘No hiding facts over deaths in custody’

(NST) KUALA LUMPUR: Police will not hide facts concerning the death of detainees, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar.

"We will also give our full cooperation to other parties in the investigations," said Ismail in reference to the death of A. Ganaprakasam, 53, in his cell at the Damansara police station recently.

Ganaprakasam was found dead next to the toilet in his cell, five days after he was detained for allegedly trying to break into a house in Sungai Buloh.

"The suspect was a drug addict and his death could be related to that, but we are waiting for the post-mortem report," said Ismail after the opening of the Human Rights Workshop for Asean Police Trainers at the police college in Cheras here yesterday.

The five-day workshop was opened by Home Ministry deputy secretary-general (security) Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ab Aziz.

He said police procedures were followed strictly. A magistrate and a doctor were taken to the cell before Ganaprakasam's body was sent to the mortuary.

On another case, Ismail said Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin would be placed on the Interpol Red Notice list soon after they complete their investigations.

"He should not have absconded from his trial. Only those who are guilty would resort to such action. If he thinks he is not guilty, then he should have respect for the law and come forward."

There are two warrants of arrest against him for failing to turn up for his court hearings.