The second post mortem on custodial death victim S Balamurugan has confirmed he had suffered multiple beatings while in police custody, claimed lawyers of the deceased's family.

Based on the findings, lawyers N Surendran and Latheefa Koya have urged the "immediate arrest" of suspects in the case.

"The findings of the second autopsy has confirmed the fears of the family of the late Balamurugan.

"The deceased suffered multiple injuries to various parts of the body including the chest, head, legs and back which triggered heart failure.

"The cause of death is stated by the Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) pathologist as 'coronary artery disease with multiple blunt force injuries '.

"In other words, because Balamurugan had an underlying heart condition, the beatings he received in police custody triggered heart failure," the duo said in a statement today.

The findings were communicated by the team of pathologists to the family and lawyers yesterday evening, in the presence of the police, said Surendran and Latheefa.

'Arrest suspects immediately'

"In light of these findings, on behalf of the family of S Balamurugan, we call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all police personnel who were involved in the assault and consequent death of (the victim)," said the duo.

"As there is no more doubt as to the cause of death, there is no necessity for any inquest into the matter.

"The results […] leave no room for any further delay in bringing those responsible for this heinous crime to justice," they said.

Balamurugan, 44, was arrested on Feb 6 when he was found in the same car with two other men, one of whom was wanted by the police.

He passed away in police custody at the North Klang district police headquarters (IPD) on Feb 8.

Cops to question pathologists

When contacted about the second autopsy findings, North Klang district police chief Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the police are in the midst of conducting its own investigations to determine the cause of death.

"We will be recording statements from all doctors involved (with the post-mortem) before issuing a formal response.

"At the moment, we have opened a probe under Section 345 of the Penal Code and on the (initial) sudden death report. Investigations are ongoing," Mohamad Yusoff told Malaysiakini.

Section 345 of the Penal Code refers to investigations for wrongful confinement of a person for whose freedom a writ has been issued.

Two weeks ago, Surendran and Latheefa said there was sufficient cause for the authorities to immediately investigate the case as murder.

Last Wednesday, the Shah Alam High Court granted the family's request for a second post-mortem.

Meanwhile Klang MP Charles Santiago last week lamented Balamurugan is the 243rd death in custody victim since 2000, and urged the authorities to put an end to such deaths.