Police to probe alleged suicide by suspect in custody

Police have started probing the death of a man who allegedly jumped from the Penang police state headquarters while he was under interrogation.

The state police chief Datuk Wira Abdul Rahim Hanafi said an internal investigation was being carried out to determine if there were any elements of negligence or carelessness by the police during the interrogation, the Star Online reported.

Abdul Rahim said he believed that the officers on duty had followed the standard operating procedure during the interrogation.

"If there are any elements of negligence on our part, I will not compromise. I’ll make sure the appropriate action will be taken," he was quoted in the report.

The suspect, Tee Ming Hua, 56, was detained for questioning under Penal Code Section 420 for cheating.

Tee died yesterday due to serious head injuries after jumping from the building, while still in handcuffs.

The man, who was arrested in connection with eight cheating cases, had earlier been handed over to the Butterworth Commercial Crime Investigation Department by their Kuantan counterparts.

Abdul Rahim had earlier said everything happened suddenly and that the investigating officer did not have time to react.