COMMENT In response to the death of P Karuna Nithi at the Tampin district police headquarters, police chief Khalid Abu Bakar reportedly said in a text- message to The Malay Mail: ‘It’s just unfortunate that he died in our lock-up’.

It is disturbing that the inspector-general of police (IGP) appears to be so casual and lackadaisical in his response to the fact that his officers could potentially be responsible for yet another custodial death, the third in 11 days.

Such a statement from the head of the police force reflects irresponsibility and total lack of accountability. If the IGP is not able to handle the issue of deaths in custody and address it with responsibility, then he should resign.