Baskar Rao

MP wants independent probe of death in police custody

Nur Farzana Md Yusof

Source: FMT News 

PETALING JAYA: Opposition MP M Kulasegaran has asked for an independent probe into the death in custody of security guard Baskar Rao.

The DAP politician said he had just attended the final rites of Baskar, 47, who allegedly set himself on fire while handcuffed at the Jelapang police station on Aug 22.

“Baskar’s mother wept uncontrollably not knowing how her loving son was burnt to death while in the custody, care and control of the police.

“He was in his hospital bed for the last nine days. He was fighting for his life,” said Kula in a statement.

Baskar is survived by A Thanaletchemy, 45, and his two children. He died yesterday at 4.10pm, the statement said. Read more →

MP wants independent probe on self-immolation bid in police station

Nur Farzana Md Yusof

Source: The Malay Mail Online

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — A man’s alleged suicide bid by setting himself on fire inside a Perak police station must be investigated independently and not by the police, said DAP MP M. Kulasegaran today.

Kulasegaran, who is also the lawyer for the man’s family, said the incident today involving 47-year-old security guard Baskar Rao is deemed to have been while he was in “police custody” as he was handcuffed then.

Kulasegaran said it would be “unfair and unreasonable” for the police to investigate their own personnel for the police’s alleged wrongdoing.

“Ridiculous as it may sound, the general rule is the police will investigate the wrongs done by the police themselves.

“I urge the home minister to order an independent task force and inquiry to ascertain as to how Baskar set fire to himself in the Jelapang police compound.

“I am sure the police CCTV was functioning at the material time which will provide much of the required information,” the DAP national vice chairman said in a statement today. Read more →