Tempers frayed at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) mortuary this afternoon, when the family of deceased police detainee G Francis Udayapan failed to obtain the post-mortem report.

Even as the family found out that the report and burial certificate had still not been issued, a police officer asked Francis' mother, G Sara Lilly, to provide a DNA sample to assist in the autopsy - although one had been provided earlier by his father.

Chief inspector Nik Rosazhan Nik Abdul Hamid, who approached Sara Lilly at the morgue, said there was "a problem" with the DNA sample taken from her husband.

"We need you to give us your DNA sample so that we can continue with the investigation," he said.

However, Sara Lilly, 45, refused the request, saying she had already positively identified the body after it was found on May 23 and had signed a statement claiming it. The body was found with half of the face and an arm missing.

"Now just let me take him home, please. You have already taken my husband's DNA sample but still won't release my son's body. What guarantee do I have that you will release the body even if I give you mine?" she asked.

At this juncture, the family's lawyer N Surendran said: "This delay is causing the family great distress. The authorities are dragging their feet and this process is taking too long. The conduct of the police in this case is very shocking."

'Private explanation only'

Speaking to the family, a forensic pathologist who gave his name as Dr Virendra, said the post-mortem report was incomplete because parts of the body are still being examined.

"We are awaiting results from forensic tests on his teeth," he said.

When they continued to ask why the process was taking so long and when the report would be ready, they were told to wait for department head Prof Kasinathan Nadesan's explanation.

On his arrival, he said he would meet with only Sara Lilly in private to explain the situation, but she said she would feel more comfortable speaking to him in the presence of her family and lawyers.

Kasinathan:

Why do I have to speak to all of you? Anyway, I cannot have all of you in my room and what I have to say is confidential.

Surendran:

Whatever there is to say can be said here (in the foyer) in front of family members, friends, interest groups and the public.

Kasinathan:

You're making things unnecessarily difficult. It's people like you who mislead the public... you're looking for a promotion and publicity by demanding this.

Surendran:

What promotion are you talking about? You're talking rubbish. Take what you said back. Take it back now or I'll sue you!

Both men accused one another of arrogance and others joined in the shouting match. Kasinathan then walked back into his room without providing an explanation.

Delay questioned

Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Tian Chua, who was among those at the mortuary, questioned the delay in issuing the post-mortem report.

"The police and relevant authorities have a lot to explain to the family and the public. Innocent people are being victimised here. It's very strange. There is obvious sabotage to this case," he said.

Later, deputy Youth chief S Manikavasagam told malaysiakini that a complaint had been lodged with UMMC deputy director Professor CT Chua about the delay as well as Kasinathan's conduct.

Udayapan's body was found in the Klang River on May 23 after he purportedly escaped from the Brickfields police district headquarters in mid-April.

His family has disputed the police version of his death, but a federal police investigating team has said there was no foul play in the matter.