HUMAN rights advocate Latheefa Koya has urged the police to explain the circumstances behind the fatal shooting of three men in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, calling for an end to what she described as repeated “cover-ups” in police shooting cases.
Latheefa - a former MACC chief questioned the narrative portraying the deceased as criminals without due investigation or due process.
“Who said they were criminals? Since when do the police carry out the death penalty on suspects?” she asked.
“Even if they are accused of wrongdoing, since when is it acceptable to shoot to kill in order to arrest,” she added.
On Thursday, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar said a special taskforce has been established by the CID department to assume full control of inquiries into the fatal shooting of three suspects who were killed after allegedly attacking police officers.
M. Kumar explained that the move also covers the police reports lodged by the families of the three men, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the way the incident was handled by law enforcement.
He noted that the initial investigation, opened under Section 307 of the Penal Code on 24 November, had been led by the Melaka Contingent Police Headquarters before now being transferred entirely to federal level.
Latheefa criticised what she said is a recurring justification used in police shooting cases — alleging the presence of weapons such as machetes — and warned that such claims risk further public mistrust.
She cited the case of Aminulrasyid Amzah, a teenager who died after being shot by police in 2010, questioning why authorities have yet to take responsibility.
“He was accused of being a criminal. What was his crime? A traffic offence? Does that justify taking a life? Until today there has been no apology from the police,” she said.
Latheefa demanded clarity on the legal basis used to classify the recent case, asking why investigations under Section 307 of the Penal Code — attempted murder — would apply when the victims had already died.
“Where is Section 302? This is murder. What is the police’s priority? Do not cover up. Do not lie to the public. This time, we have clear evidence,” she stressed.
The rights activist insisted that accountability and transparency must be central to police conduct to ensure public confidence in law enforcement.
Yesterday, MIC deputy president Datuk M. Saravanan called on the government to set up an independent commission to investigate the deaths of the three victims.
Saravanan stressed that the concerns raised by the victims’ families and their lawyers must not be ignored.
He highlighted that an audio recording, which reportedly contradicts initial police claims that officers acted in self-defence, raises serious questions requiring a thorough and independent investigation.
The incident involved the fatal shooting of three suspected burglars who attacked a police corporal attempting to apprehend them near an oil palm plantation in Durian Tunggal.
The group, dubbed the “Geng DT”, comprised two men aged 24 and another aged 29.
They are believed to have been involved in at least 20 break-ins targeting homes and commercial premises since 2024, causing losses amounting to RM1.3 million. – December 7, 2025
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