The death of police detainee Samiyati Indrayani Zulkarnain, 45, should be investigated by an independent body rather than an inquest because the latter would depend on police investigations.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth vice-chief S Manikavasagam said similar inquests in the past, such as the case of G Francis Udayappan , were left with no more than an open verdict after a lengthy two-year proceeding.

"Why do we need an inquest? We need those responsible for her death to be prosecuted for criminal negligence," he said when informed that the police were seeking the inquest.

Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Ahmad Bahrin Idrus's today said an inquest was being sought to quash allegations of abuse leading to Samiyati's death.

"We immediately conducted an investigation under the Sudden Death Report (SDR) and a pathologist report confirmed that Samiyati died of intra-cerebral hemorrhages with intra-ventricular extension and perforated gastric ulcer.

"There is a scientific explanation for her death and soon it will be revealed when we conduct the inquest. We'll wait and see," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Last week, Manickavasagam had submitted a memorandum to the police calling for an independent probe into the matter.

Police probe 'not independent'

Samiyati's brother Monasuffian had lodged a police report regarding his sister's death. He claimed that the police had failed to grant her any medical attention.

He also claimed that numerous bruises were found on Samiyati's body.

Meanwhile, Monasufian's lawyer P Uthayakumar said alleged police abuses should rightfully be investigated by an independent body such as the proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

He argued that an inquest would rely on the investigations by the police, who have a history of reluctance in implicating its own members over wrongdoings.

Due to such circumstances, inquest often come up with open verdicts, said the lawyer, who has handled four inquests over the past four years.

He believes that there was a clear case of negligence in Samiyati's case as she was under the watch of police personnel on short shifts around the clock.

"Logic tells you no one dies just suddenly. Most diseases show symptoms and an unwell suspect should be brought to medical attention.

"Failing to do so in good time amounts to criminal negligence. No one should die in a police lockup," he added.