There was no physical violence used against N Dharmendran, a detainee who was found dead in police lock-up two years ago.

Kuala Lumpur CID chief Zainuddin Ahmad said this was because policemen were strictly prohibited from using physical violence against any detainee during interrogation.

"Physical violence is strictly prohibited. We (police) have been trained to carry out interrogation. However, there is no issue about using loud, harsh voice," he said when testifying as the 17th witness in the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) public hearing into Dharmendran's death today.

Zainuddin, who has 38 years of experience in the police force, also said that he was the one who handled Dharmendran's case when he was serving as the Dang Wangi officer-in-charge of police district (OCPD).

At that time, he said he was also the officer-in-charge of lock-up, who is responsible for the administration, transaction, safety of lock-up and the safety of detainees.

When asked whether there was a CCTV in the Dang Wangi police lock-up during the police interrogation of Dharmendran, Zainuddin said there was a CCTV, but it was not working.

He said the CCTV often failed to function properly and the problem had been brought to the attention of the logistic team.

Four policemen freed

Earlier, Dharmendran's father-in-law, who insisted anonymity, said that the last time he saw Dharmendran was on May 19, 2013, when he visited the latter at the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters (IPKKL).

The man, who is the 16th witness, said Dharmendran appeared healthy and he did not see any physical injuries on his son-in-law.

"Dharmendran asked about his child, talked to Marry (his wife) and I even asked whether he was beaten and he said no. He even ate the chicken rice we brought for him," he said, adding that Dharmendran was also smiling and laughing when they exchanged hug that day.

Dharmendran was reported to have been detained on May 11, 2013, and died 10 days later while in police custody at the IPKKL.

Four policemen from the IPKKL were the arrested and charged with causing the death.

On Dec 12, 2014, the Kuala Lumpur high court freed the four policemen from the charge after concluding that there was no prima facie case against them.

The hearing, which began on July 27, continues tomorrow.

- Bernama