V. Mugilarasu

CASE FACTS

V. Mugilarasu, who worked as a machine operator, had been in remand at the Sungai Buloh Prison since March 2020 for a drug offence. He was waiting for a court hearing which was scheduled on 12 August 2020.

The 35-year-old was reportedly found collapsed in his prison cell on the evening of 2 July 2020 after complaining of chest pains. He passed away while being transported to the Sungai Buloh Hospital.

Mugilarasu’s death became suspicious for his family as the victim did not mention being unwell or sick in a phone conversation with his elder brother, V. Karunakaran Pillai, hours before his death. Karunakaran, who was the one who identified Mugilarasu’s body, later noticed bruises on his face, swellings on the arms, and bloodstains in the mouth of the remains.

The pathologist who performed the post-mortem on Mugilarasu also pointed out the injuries on him and concurred on the swellings of his body.

“On the surface, you could see the nose was still bloody […] there was dried blood on the teeth and there was bruising on the left cheek and brow, as well as on the forehead.”

Datuk Sheelan Arjunan, Mugilarasu’s family lawyer

LATEST

Although Prisons Department claimed that Mugilarasu suffered a heart attack, his family has lodged a police report over his death and are seeking an inquest into the death.

SOURCES

(1) New Straits Times
(2) Malay Mail
(3) Malaysiakini