New Post has been published on The Rakyat Post
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No closure for Kugan's family despite court decision
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8, 2014:
“While the country prepares to celebrate its national day with excitement, we dwell in sadness for it also marks the birthday of our Kugan who was robbed from us.”
A. Kugan’s aunt, S. Renuga, 36, spoke to The Rakyat Post about the family’s response to the landmark decision today when the Court of Appeal upheld a High Court’s decision that Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and his police officers were responsible for Kugan’s death while in custody.
According to her, Kugan’s birthday fell on the same day as Merdeka Day, which made it even harder for the family to forget the brutality that he went through.
Renuga said Kugan’s mother never recovered from the fact that she lost her son in the manner she did.
“Not only was he accused for something which was never proven, but also he was ridiculed on social media for it.
“Until today there is no proof that he was a car thief, but the whole world will know him as that because of what transpired.”
She said Kugan was the nicest son and nephew anyone could have.
“He never did anything wrong, he had not even smoked cigarettes or drank alcohol, but he was labelled a car thief.
“Following this decision today, we want the world to remember him differently. We want him remembered as the kindest family member one could have, who was taken away unlawfully.”
She said this was a lesson to the police to not treat someone like a criminal until he was proven guilty.
“Before investigations are concluded, do not accuse the innocent of being guilty because it can destroy their family. Kugan had a clean record and never even had a police case before he was detained.
“We are not happy with the country’s justice system.”
She said his mother N. Indra loved her son dearly.
“He was the first grandchild in the family and the first child for Indra.
“Kugan would have been 27 if he was still alive and a big brother to three siblings aged 22 (brother), 21 (sister) and 20 (brother).”
She said the judgement was well received, but did little to ease the pain the family felt.
“This is the best we can get and it was a good judgement, but we can’t be happy because we have suffered for five years in anguish fighting for justice.
“Now we will wait and see how fast the government compensates us or would we have to wait a long time for that as well.”
Renuga said with the judgement, justice was served as it held the police responsible for the custodial death.
She said the money awarded from the decision would go towards helping Indra raise her children.
“She is a single mother and at 48-year-old factory worker. The money will come in handy in her old age. The money will help her raise her kids and maybe buy a house.”
