Inspector charged with causing hurt to Balamurugan

KLANG: An inspector was charged at the magistrate's court here today with causing hurt to S. Balamurugan (pix) who died in police custody.
Inspector T. Mohaneswaran, 31, claimed trial. He was accused of causing hurt to Balamurugan during questioning at Bandar Baru Klang police station, between 7pm and 9.13pm on Feb 6, 2017.
The charge is under section 330 of the Penal Code, which is punishable with seven years jail and can be fined, upon conviction.
Magistrate Rozianti Mohamed Hanaphi granted RM1,200 bail with one surety and fixed Nov 16, 2017 for mention. Lawyer V. Rajehgopal represented the accused.
The accused, who wore a black short sleeve shirt and black pants then asked permission through his lawyer to speak to the magistrate. He appealed for the bail amount to be reduced.
"I am still working", he said.
Magistrate Rozianti Mohamed Hanaphi granted RM1,200 bail with one surety and fixed Nov 16, 2017 for a mention.
Balamurugan's family and Eric Paulsen from Lawyers for Liberty, was also present in court.
The case will be re-mentioned on Nov 16.
Earlier, a group men, believed to be his friends from the police entered the court and left the court once Mohaneswaran's case was completed.
Balamurugan had died on Feb 7, 2017 in a police station, where he was held for three days.