A man detained on suspicion of sexual harassment was tortured and beaten despite the Police being aware that a false report was lodged against him.
S Isaikumar,28, lodged a report at the Seremban police headquarters. He was accompanied by his lawyer N Surendran.
Surendran said that Isaikumar (right) was arrested on Dec 6, 2009 and remanded for nine days based on a police report lodged against him for of sexual harassment.
The following day, on Dec 7, Isaikumar was told by the investigating police officer that the charges made against him were based on a false report.
Nevertheless, the police only released Isaikumar (right) on Dec 14, during which time Isaikumar alleged he was assaulted and subject to humiliation by the police.
“Isaikumar was slapped, abused and beaten with PVC pipes by a group of police officers,” said Surendran.
He claimed that at one stage a female police officer sat on Isaikumar’s chest and inserted a shoe she was wearing into his mouth.
The police, he alleged, also took photos of Isaikumar in the nude, including photos of his genitals.
Surendran further claimed that his client was denied medical treatment despite running a fever.
Though the lockup where he was detained held seven prisoners, Isaikumar alleged they were given only three packets of food to be shared among them.
‘He was innocent’
Chief investigating officer, Inspector Ahmad Sobri Amir Salim, cleared Isaikumar of any wrongdoing in a letter on Dec 14, on the day of his release.
“Despite his innocence, Isaikumar went through an unnecessary and unwarranted nine days of remand, coupled with abuse by police officers,” said Surendran.
The lawyer said the case should be investigated by Bukit Aman because he felt the Seremban police would not conduct a fair inquiry.
Surendran called on inspector-general of police Musa Hassan to ‘clean up his own house’ as there have been many cases and reports of police brutality.
Meanwhile Parti Sosialis Malaysia secretary, S Arutchelvam, demanded Bukit Aman form a special team to investigate this latest report of police brutality.
Arutchelvam said that if there was no action within two weeks, PSM would take up the case with Bukit Aman.
He said the case clearly showed a “lack of police professionalism” where police were “victimising” an innocent citizen.
Isaikumar, Surendran and Arutchelvam were among a group who attempted to enter the IPK premises but were denied entry.
There was also an attempt to meet with the deputy chief police officer of Negri Sembilan, but an officer denied them permission.
Instead, the group was advised to lodge a report at the nearby Seremban town police station.
Among the political leaders present were Senawang state assemblyperson P Gunasekaran, Temiang assemblyperson Ng Chin Tsai, Negeri Sembilan PKR deputy chairman S Haridass and state PKR Youth deputy chief Norazizi Aziz.
