Anwar contacts IGP over Cheras custodial death

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reached out to the Inspector-General of Police, Khalid Ismail, to seek more details about the custodial death of Noorizwan Zulkefly, a 42-year-old man who passed away on October 1, according to a report on X. Anwar expressed his sorrow over the incident, acknowledging the grief and unease felt by Noorizwan's family.

He emphasized to Khalid the importance of a thorough, transparent investigation without compromise, and assured the family that updates on the case would be provided regularly. Noorizwan's brother, Nooranis Zulkefly, conveyed their request for the prime minister's assurance that justice would be served swiftly and fairly, and requested that authorities refrain from harassing the family's lawyers as they seek information regarding the detainee's death.

Lawyers Latheefa Koya, N Surendran, and Dina Zamri were questioned by federal police for their involvement in obtaining details from the pathology unit and viewing photographs of Noorizwan’s injuries. Noorizwan was detained on September 20 and held at Cheras police headquarters for 11 days before being transferred to Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HUKM) on September 30, where he was pronounced dead on October 1.

The family had previously contested the police's claim that Noorizwan's arrest and detention were conducted according to standard operating procedures. Bukit Aman stated that Noorizwan had sustained external injuries but no internal bleeding, with the cause of death pending laboratory analysis.