Ramsamy Doubts Of Fair Probe Into Fatal Shooting Of Trio By Melaka Cops Judging By Past Track Record

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LET ME remind the Bukit Aman police criminal division that the recent shooting of three individuals suspected of being robbers by the Melaka police raises more questions than answers.
The families of the three individuals – backed by their lawyers – have lodged reports against the Melaka police for the “execution-style” killings.
Bukit Aman CID Chief Datuk M. Kumar responded by saying that there would be a fair and thorough investigation into the police shootings that resulted in the deaths of the three individuals.

He made the statement after Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhari Mukhtar claimed that the three serial robbers were shot and killed by the police in Durian Tunggal, Alor Gajah on Nov 24 after they attacked the policemen.
Editor’s Note: Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan said the gravity of the evidence, including a 13-minute 53-second audio recording capturing the moments leading up to the deaths of the three men demanded immediate action from the highest levels of government.
In echoing the call, the families of the deceased – M. Puvaneswaran, 24; M. Pushpanathan, 21; and G. Logeswaran, 29 – however, stated that they no longer trusted the police to conduct an impartial investigation.
Puvaneswaran and Logeswaran had previous police records for burglary and drugs.



















While I welcome the probe by Bukit Aman police into the shooting incident, I have my doubts that the police will conduct a fair investigation.
There have been too many cases in the past involving police shootings of “criminals” and “robbers” but very seldom are the police personnel involved hauled up and charged.
Without an independent police commission, nothing much can be expected from the police.
I doubt Bukit Aman police will investigate and prosecute their own personnel in Melaka.
The three individuals were shot dead on grounds of their alleged criminality but are the police judges, prosecutors and executioners? If this is the case, why do we need courts of law in the country?
I hope Bukit Aman CID Chief Kumar proves me wrong by ordering an independent investigation into the shooting incident and making the findings public.

This is why the country needs the establishment of an Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCMC) to rein in police personnel for their wrongdoings.
Unfortunately, we have a government in power that has distanced itself from promised reforms, particularly those ensuring the police force operates within the ambit of the law. 
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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