CID director CP Datuk M. Kumar A/L S. Muthuvelu
Special task force formed as allegations and forensic questions emerge
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 — Bukit Aman has taken over the investigation into the fatal shooting of three men in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, after police reports were lodged by the victims’ families, with a special task force now formed to lead the probe.
In a media statement issued on Wednesday night, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) confirmed that the federal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had assumed full control of the case and established a special team to conduct investigations.
The victims were identified as M. Puspanathan (21), T. Poovaneswaran (24) and G. Logeswaran (29).
According to the statement issued by the Director of CID Bukit Aman, CP Datuk M. Kumar A/L S. Muthuvelu, the case was previously investigated by the Melaka CID under Section 307 of the Penal Code following the incident on Nov 24.
He confirmed that Bukit Aman received police reports from the victims’ relatives on Dec 3 and that federal investigators have now assumed responsibility for the entire case.
“Bukit Aman views this matter seriously and gives assurance that investigations will be conducted in accordance with the law to ensure that justice is upheld,” he said.
He added that an independent team within Bukit Aman has been appointed to oversee the investigation.
“A special task force has been established at Bukit Aman to take over the investigation in full, including the police reports lodged by the families of the three men,” he said.
CP Datuk Kumar also cautioned the public to refrain from speculation.
“The public is advised not to speculate or manipulate facts in any manner that may interfere with or compromise the integrity of the investigation,” he said.
The police also appealed for information related to the case.
“Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Criminal Investigation Department at Bukit Aman via the hotline at 019-376 4763,” he said.
The statement was issued at 9.10pm on Dec 3 from Bukit Aman headquarters.
The Bukit Aman takeover follows a press conference by the families’ lawyers challenging the police’s claim that the three men were shot in self-defence after allegedly attacking officers with a parang.
The briefing, organised by Lawyers for Liberty and Legal Unit Agamam Ani Malaysia, featured a 13-minute audio recording and forensic observations by Thistlegorm Forensic’s G. Venodthan, who said the men appeared to be under police control and that no mention of weapons was heard.
Lead counsel Rajesh Nagarajan also cited preliminary post-mortem findings raising concerns over the use of force, while the families called for a mandatory inquest under Section 339(1) CPC and an independent forensic review.
Police have yet to respond publicly to the forensic findings and audio evidence raised at the press conference.
- TNS NEWS