A 21-YEAR-OLD Simpang Renggam prisoner died earlier today at Kluang Hospital, following complaints of severe abdominal pain, in another case of death in custody.

A police report lodged by a prison official stated that Surendren Shanker died due to “septic shock with multiple organ failure” but his family believes there could have been foul play involved.

Surendren’s mother, Kumatahmary Asirvatham, 48, told The Malaysian Insight that her son was taken to the hospital yesterday and pronounced dead at 12.30am today.

“He was arrested in June last year in Petaling Jaya for drug-related offences. His detention was extended for another 55 days under Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (POCA).

“He was then sent to Muar Rehabilitation Centre and then on April 25 this year he was sent to Simpang Renggam Prison,” Kumatahmary said.

The family from Sunway, Subang Jaya, will be going to Johor tonight to view the remains before deciding on their next course of action.

Surendran’s death is the third custodial death in recent weeks.

Last week, Sivabalan Subramaniam, a 43-year-old security guard, died in custody at Gombak police headquarters.

He was picked up by police from his workplace in Bandar Baru Selayang, for investigations into an extortion case, and died a day later.

Gombak police chief Arifai Tarawe said in a statement that Sivabalan was brought to headquarters at 11.40am, after which he complained of breathing difficulties.

Police called for an ambulance and medical officers tried to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at 12.30pm.

Arifai said initial investigations revealed the deceased had a history of heart problems.

Just prior to this, cow milk trader A. Ganapathy also died while in the custody of Gombak police.

He was arrested on February 24 to assist in investigations into his brother’s alleged crimes. He was said to have spent 12 days in police custody before being admitted to hospital.

Ganapathy succumbed to his injuries on April 18 after spending more than a month in the hospital’s intensive care unit. – May 27, 2021.