A judicial inquest began in the Ampang magistrate's court this afternoon into the cause and circumstances surrounding the death of a man while in police custody.

Security guard G Veerasamy died on Nov 28 last year. The inquest follows pressure exerted by his son, lawyers, human rights groups and the Bar Council, all of whom are seeking answers to his death at the Pandan Indah police station lock-up.

Family members maintain that Veerasamy was beaten to death while in police custody after his arrest by several policemen in Pandan Indah on Nov 24.

His son, V Suresh, claimed that his father was perfectly healthy when he last saw him at the Pandan Indah police station at 9pm on Nov 24. However, when identifying his body at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), he saw injury marks on his father's face.

Suresh said a doctor told him that his father had died from "stomach pains", but then threatened not to release the body when he tried to probe further. The date of death was recorded as Nov 28.

Taken to clinic

The family's lawyer, N Surendran, said the circumstances surrounding Veerasamy's death were unclear.

"The family was not informed of any ailment suffered by their father during his remand. They were only informed of his death, without an explanation as to the cause," he said.

"They want justice for their dead father and to hold to account those responsible for his death."

In addition to Surendran, the family is represented by Charles Hector at the inquest. The police were represented by Deputy Public Prosecutors T Thangavellu and Ahmad Faris.

Surendran told malaysiakini that a HKL doctor testified today that Veerasamy was taken to her clinic for treatment at 11pm on Nov 24.

"The doctor said he had a fractured nasal bone, laceration of the nose and bruises on his back. She said she believed that, based on his wounds, he had been assaulted, " said Surendran.

Justice Mohamad Kamil, who is presiding, adjourned proceedings to Aug 17.