YB. R.S.N RAYER - A.D.U.N. SERI DELIMA, PENANG

THE family of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) trainee K. Yogeswaran who reportedly died of pneumonia is demanding for an in-depth investigation into his death.

His father K. Kannan, 44, said many of their queries, including the cuts and bruises on the deceased’s body, were not answered satisfactorily.

Yogeswaran, 21, was found dead on Aug 4, while undergoing commando training at the Jugra camp in Banting.

The RMAF had ruled out foul play and its air operations commander Lt-Gen Datuk Rodzali Daud was quoted as saying the bruises and cuts could have been sustained during the jungle training.

Kannan, who revealed 22 photographs showing the bruises and cuts on his son’s body taken before the post mortem, however, alleged there was foul play.

“I strongly believe my son did not die of pneumonia as reported. There are too many stories told. I want to seek justice for my son,” he told a press conference at the office of his counsel Karpal Singh in Penang yesterday.

“We went to Banting Hospital on Friday as we were informed that the post-mortem report was ready. But hospital director Dr Anisah Mohd Tahir told us they could only release the report in three weeks.

“Our request to talk to Dr K. Girija who carried out the post-mortem was also denied,” he said.

Yogeswaran’s mother T. Rajeshweri, 41, who was in tears, said they were confused with the many reasons given pertaining to the cause of her son’s death.

Karpal Singh called on Attorney-General Tan Sri Gani Patail to order an inquest into the death of Yogeswaran, saying Section 339 of the Criminal Procedure Code empowered the AG to direct a magistrate to hold such an inquest.

“We also want the public prosecutor to direct the body to be exhumed,” he said.

Karpal Singh, together with fellow counsel R.S.N. Rayer, would file a civil suit proceeding against those involved and the government.

“It is important for us to know exactly how he died, and under what circumstances,” he said.