A crucial autopsy report may have absolved the police of foul play in the death of detainee A Gnanapragasam, but at the same time it has raised questions about why he was not given any medical attention.

The autopsy report said the cause of death was the result of "toxaemia secondary to spontaneous peritonitis" or blood poisoning due to a bacteria infection in the intestines.

r sivarasa 270208 According to Subang MP R Sivarasa, also a senior lawyer acting for Gnanapragasam's family, he was informed by the pathologist that the deceased would have shown symptoms before succumbing to the illness.

Sivarasa said that the Gnanapragasam, 53, would have displayed obvious symptoms of fever, body aches and appeared very ill. These symptoms would have worsen over a few days.

If that was the case, is questioning why the police did not send Gnanapragasam for immediate medical treatment upon noticing these symptoms.

"The police may have committed criminal negligence. There must be an immediate inquest to investigate how he died. The police must explain," he said.

Sivarasa learned of symptoms of the illness during a briefing by the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre forensic department this morning, together with the deceased's wife M Manimatalai, 40.

‘ Injuries on body'

During the briefing, Sivarasa said the pathologist confirmed that there were injuries to the deceased's body, but it was unlikely to have caused his death.

funeral of gnana prakasom 160609 03 This contradicted with Petaling Jaya police chief ACP Arjunaidi Mohammed's claim yesterday that the autopsy did not trace any bruises or injuries on the body.

Sivarasa added that the doctors cannot conclude the source of the infection, but suggested that it might be a result of an organ failure.

Gnanapragasam was found dead in a toilet at the Damansara Damai police station on Sunday. He was held there after being arrested for suspicion of being involved in a breaking into a house in Sungai Buloh.

Manimatalai claimed that her husband did not have any history of illness and appeared healthy when she last saw in at the police station on Friday, albeit Gnanapragasam sporting a bruise on his eye.

Meanwhile, Gnanapragasam was laid to rest at 2pm today after a funeral ceremony at his Damansara Damai home.