The family of G Guakanthan has asked police to investigate his death due to drowning in Sungai Udang in Nibong Tebal as they believe that criminal elements are involved.

His father S Govindasamy, 59, wanted his grave at Jawi hindu cemetery exhumed for a post-mortem to ascertain the cause of death although a doctor at Sungai Bakap Hospital told him on Nov 4 that his son had drowned.

There was suspicion as the body had injuries and that one eye was dislodged, several teeth broken and signs of injuries to the face which police said due to iguana bite.

Govindasamy said Guakanthan had told his friend A Asudass, 33, to report to police if he did not return from a meeting with a man named Gopal on Nov 1.

Van driver Guakanthan told Asudass that Gopal was to be blamed if anything should happen to him.

Police open probe

He also sent a SMS message to his brother Devederan using Asudass' mobile phone before meeting Gopal that night.

Asudass lodged a report with Nibong Tebal police station three days after Guakanthan's body was found as he believed it was connected to the SMS message.

Meanwhile, Alternative Action Team chairman B Kalai Vanar said the non-governmental organisation (NGO) would send a letter to the Attorney-General asking that the body be exhumed for a post-mortem.

A letter would also be sent to the Health Minister, Inspector-General of Police, Penang police chief and Penang health director.

Meanwhile, Seberang Perai Selatan police chief Supt Shafien Mamat said police had opened investigation paper and taken a statement from Asudass.

- Bernama