Missing millionaire's case was initially of cheating, say cops

KUALA LUMPUR - The first report on missing Indian millionaire Allal Kathan Muthuraja was investigated as a cheating case, police said yesterday.

The report was lodged by Muthuraja's brother, Dr Kasi Viswanathan, at the Klang police station on March 29.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Hussin Ismail said the report stated that Bukit Aman was holding Muthuraja for allegedly trafficking in drugs and that a sum of money was needed to secure his release.

"Initially, the report was investigated as a cheating case," said Hussin, adding that they had tried to locate Muthuraja then, but he could not be found.

The investigations, however, took a twist following a second report which was lodged by Muthuraja's wife, S. Usharani, at the Kuala Langat district police headquarters on September 8.

Usharani had lodged a missing person's report and after digging further, police linked that report to the murders of Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and her three aides.

"So, to say that we did not act on those reports earlier is not true," Hussin said at a press conference in Bukit Aman yesterday.

Since the investigations intensified recently, police have arrested two men who are believed to have extorted money from Muthuraja's family in Chennai, India.

The two men were picked up from their homes in Taman Wilayah, Selayang and Kampung Laksamana, Batu Caves, in the past 10 days.

The two had allegedly impersonated police officers from Bukit Aman to demand RM1 million (S$426,386) from Usharani to secure the release of her husband.

Usharani had told police that she received two calls, one from a caller claiming to be "ASP (assistant superintendent) Suresh" and the other who identified himself as "Inspector Muru".

Muthuraja, 37, was reported missing in January after coming here to meet two lawyer brothers who are now being investigated for eight murders and several fraud cases involving the sale and purchase of several parcels of land.

Hussin urged Muthuraja's family to remain calm and give police time to conduct their investigations.

Police had earlier said that they suspected Muthuraja could have been murdered but were awaiting DNA results to confirm this.

Hussin also urged the family not to listen to speculation on Muthuraja's disappearance but to only liaise with the police.

"We have appointed an officer to deal directly with the family," he said.

Apart from Usharani, Muthuraja's brothers - Kasi and Vijay Subramaniam - are also here to assist police in the investigations.

Yesterday, Usharani, Kasi and Vijay had their statements recorded separately at the Kuala Langat district police headquarters.

Usharani is at loggerheads with her brothers-in-law, claiming that they had threatened her to stop digging into Muthuraja's case and to return to India.

The woman, however, is adamant to stay on to see the case through.

The investigations into the Banting murders, which have taken almost a month, has caught the attention of major media organisations in India as well.

To date, police have arrested the two lawyer brothers from Banting, and six of their employees, all believed to be locals.

Police investigations so far have revealed that at least four victims - Sosilawati, her driver Kamarudin Shansudin, CIMB Bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad and lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim - were murdered at a poultry farm in Ladang Gadung, which belonged to the lawyer brothers.

The victims were said to have been beaten, stabbed and burnt before their remains were scattered in nearby rivers and streams.

Investigations into the four murders opened a can of worms when it was discovered that there could have been more victims.

Apart from Muthuraja, police have also began investigations into two other missing persons.

The two have been identified as electrical technician Shafik Abdullah of Sungai Petani, and businessman Thevaraj Shanmugam of Taiping. The two have been reported missing in April.

Another victim, housewife T. Selvi, who was murdered outside her home in Banting last year, could also have been a victim of the men currently under investigations.

Apart from Selvi, the bodies of the seven other victims have not been found.

Police have only found bone fragments in the rivers, which have been sent for DNA profiling to ascertain the identities.

Stop speculation over murder

THE public, politicians and the media, should refrain from sensationalism and speculation in the murder of Datuk Sosilawati and three others.

Enough has been said and the priority should now be to give the police time and peace of mind to conduct thorough investigations to bring to book the culprits.

Let the police complete their investigations professionally so that the case can be successfully prosecuted. Sensationalism and speculation will not bring back the dead but justice must be allowed to take its course devoid of influence.

Let the police gather all the evidence they need to ensure a credible prosecution of the case. Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail is right when he expressed concern over the murder probe blown out of proportion.

It is only common sense that statements made by several parties on the case would jeopardise investigations.

The media should report only the facts and refrain from speculation.

Like Gani, I also think everyone should follow the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar’s advice to cool down and leave the police to do their work.

Last Sunday, Ismail advised the media to stop reporting on speculation but to wait for police confirmation on any evidence.

The media had reported that two graves were found in the farm, the scene of the Banting murders.

Police have recovered bones and other evidence, and had picked up eight people, two of them lawyers, to help investigations.

When making a journalistic killing can be unethical

THE media went to town with the murders of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, her driver Kamaruddin Shamsudin, bank officer Noorhisham Mohd and lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim.

This tragic incident filled the front pages of most newspapers and prime-time news bulletins since the murders were first revealed. The news continues to dominate the inside pages of dailies.

Such overwhelming coverage is not surprising given that violence and murder are deemed shocking and outrageous by society’s norms. But equally important is that violence and killings are also the very stuff that qualifies the so-called "news value" of tragedy, violence and calamity.

And to be sure, a crime like this one, which involved not only the snuffing out of lives but especially the alleged burning of human bodies, inevitably sparked a media frenzy. Crime news, especially ones that have the elements of sex and violence, also sells newspapers and other media.

And herein lies the problem. In the desire to attract more readers (or viewers), the media not only report the crime but also carry reports with elements of sensationalism, which may contravene journalistic ethics. In an economy where private media exist and whose survival is dependent on profits, sensationalist reporting can come into play even at the expense of ethical and responsible journalism.

Sensationalist journalism is one that exaggerates certain aspects of an incident or issue to attract and shock the audience.

It should be of concern to us all when the police took exception, for instance, to a report that alleged that Sosilawati and friends were "slaughtered", which wasn’t the case. The police rightly warned the parties concerned because of the sensationalist slant given to the murder case. The ghastly, especially when it was not true, may well hurt the feelings of the families of the deceased and enrage readers and friends of the murdered individuals.

It was equally malicious and mischievous of a certain report that alleged that Sosilawati was raped. This may make good copy but it runs counter to the ethics of good journalism.

Reporting of crimes should consider the following questions when pondering over the issue of ethical journalism: was the coverage of the story responsible, balanced, and fair? Did the media respect the rights and interests of the people being reported, and their families and friends, or was it too intrusive? Why did the media devote so much space to it and why did it take this angle when there were other options?

The Sosilawati murder case has also been covered with much enthusiasm because it involves a high-profile individual. In other words, this story meets the requirement of yet another news value, ie news that involves famous and powerful people. However, this inherently elitist approach to reporting has been criticised: if human life is sacred, why shouldn’t the death of an ordinary person be given similar emphasis or treatment as that of a VIP?

But journalistic ethics does not only encounter problems in crime reporting. Issues of ethnicity and religion also pose ethical dilemma and challenges to responsible journalists in Malaysia.

When a rabid and racist politician espouses his or her extremist stand in public, shouldn’t such articulation be dutifully reported? Or, in the name of ethnic harmony, should it be ignored? Such racist expression should be covered, but not necessarily using or quoting the exact inflammatory words. This is because shutting the racist up is tantamount to sweeping the dirt under the carpet. At the same time, a responsible journalist should also conscientiously seek the voice of moderation and reason to counter the racist statement.

Besides, this is to help readers understand better a particular issue from a broad range of perspectives, as opposed to only pandering to the egos of the extremist elements in society.

It is also hoped that balanced coverage of controversial issues of ethnicity and religion would go a long way towards encouraging discussions and debates in a civilised fashion.

In the case of the cow-head protest in Shah Alam, some media organisations had covered it as well as getting responses from government leaders, politicians and other concerned Malaysians. While this may be considered fair and adequate coverage, the media should also provide space for those ordinary people who relentlessly strive to build bridges. This is apart from providing the larger context to this conflict, which is essential to a deeper understanding of the issue.

In this particular incident, there was a small group of primarily Muslims who came to a Hindu temple to offer flowers and peace to the affected Hindu community in the vicinity. And yet, very few media organisations covered this socially and politically significant event. If this incident was covered, journalists would have helped in the local communities’ effort to build bridges and at the same time fulfilling their professional commitment to seeking truth and social justice.

DR. MUSTAFA K. Anuar teaches journalism at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

AG Concerned Sosilawati's Murder Case Blown Out Of Proportion

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail on Tuesday expressed his concern over the investigation into the murders of Datuk Sosilawati and three others being blown out of proportion.

He said this was due to statements made by several parties on the case, while the media should report only on facts without the extras because it would jeopardise the case.

"I think they should follow what the IGP (Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar) has advised. Cool it down and let us do our work.

"I think at the right time, when they (police) have completed their investigation, they will issue a proper statement and disclose everything. There is no problem with that," he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)'s Aidilfitri celebration, here Tuesday.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz and MACC chief commissioner Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed.

He was asked whether the interference, with many parties including the family of the missing Indian businessman, coming forward to make statements, would harm the case.

Last Sunday, Ismail reminded the media not to write speculative stories on the cases, but to wait for confirmation from the police.

His reminder came in the wake of media reports that two graves had been found at the farm where the Banting murders had allegedly taken place.

Sosilawati, 47, her driver Kamaruddin Shansudin, 44, lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32, and CIMB bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, who were reported missing on Aug 30 after they had gone to Banting, Selangor, over a land deal, were killed, their bodies burnt and the ashes thrown into rivers in the vicinity of Ladang Gadong, near Banting, according to police.

The police recovered bones and other items from the rivers and had picked up eight people, two of them lawyers, to facilitate their investigation into the murders.

Asked if his office could assure the public that there would be results at the end of the investigation, Abdul Gani said: "As far as I'm concerned, in all investigations, something will happen, either we charge or don't charge. That is very definite."

On the investigation papers that had been returned to the police, he said there was no deadline for them to hand over the papers.

"I've got to wait for them to send (the investigation papers). Let them investigate the case properly because it involves public interest.

"I know they are working very hard and will give me the papers as soon as possible. I'm meeting them on a regular basis. In fact, almost daily," he said.

Asked about the areas for the police to re-investigate, he said: "A lot of areas, I can't be telling you the weaknesses."

-- BERNAMA

Lawyer In The Dark Over Fate Of Clients In Sosilawati Murder

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Lawyer Ravi Nekoo, who is representing two lawyer brothers detained in connection with the murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others, is still in the dark over the fate of his clients.

He is unsure when, or if, the two clients, and six other people -- linked to the four murders -- would be charged in court.

"My clients' remand orders will expire on Saturday. I have a hunch they may (either) be charged on Friday, or the police may decide to produce them before a magistrate to extend the remand," Ravi told Bernama on Tuesday.

He said since his clients, aged 38 and 41, are currently held under custody of the Selangor police contingent, he would write to acting Selangor Criminal Investigation Department chief Assistant Commissioner Omar Mammah to enable him (Nekoo) and another counsel to have access to the suspects.

"So far, only once, the police had granted us access to our clients, and also to their wives...but we want to meet them without the presence of police officers," he added.

Ravi pointed out that the law was very clear on the issue, as under Section 28A(5) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), it allowed counsel to have access within sight of police officers, but not hearing.

"In other words, they (police) can witness when we are talking to our clients but they can't follow the conversation.

"We need complete privacy in this matter, which was denied during the first visit," he disclosed.

He said the police were relying on Section 28A(8) of the CPC by saying that the defence counsels might tamper with evidence, or fear the suspects might abscond.

Sosilawati, 47, her driver, Kamaruddin Shamsuddin, 44, lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32, and CIMB Bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, went missing on Aug 30, after they had gone to Banting, Selangor over a land deal.

On Sept 12, police confirmed that the four were killed, their bodies burnt and the ashes strewn in rivers near Ladang Gadong, Tanjung Sepat near Banting.

"They already had more than 14 days in gathering evidence from the suspects...now, let us have access to our clients," said Ravi, who also asked the police to allow the six other suspects in the case to have access to counsel.

Currently, he said, only his wife, Pushpa Ratnam, and he were in the defence team while another lawyer, D. P. Vijandran, had not decided whether to be involved in the team.

Rita Wants To Continue Mother's Legacy

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Erni Dekritawati Bukhari, 25, wants to continue the legacy of her mother Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya for the future of her siblings.

Rita as she is fondly known said some people may consider her as young to handle the task but said she had a good teacher in her mother.

"I am prepared for the challenge and keen for some healthy competition," said the eldest sibling who considered Sosilawati and her father Buhari Mohamad as mentor.

Accompanied by close friend Bernama Tv reporter Zulkifli Bujang, Rita said the family was learning to cope with her mother's tragic death and had to be strong for the other five siblings.

"We have accepted reality but are still sad with her death. I will continue from where my mother left off," she said in the Radio 24 programme "Kerusi Panas" helmed by Azlan Idris tonight.

Rita expressed dismay with media reports that exposed assets belonging to the company owned by her late mother.

"They contained the wrong facts. I told the media that all information should first be referred to the police."

She did not want to dwell on her relationship with Zulkifli until all matters relating to her mother's death were resolved.

"I plea with the media not to expose private matters as it can create problems in future. Please respect my privacy."

Rita thanked Malaysians who supported her since news on the murder of her mother and three others spread.

Sosilawati,47, her driver Kamarudin Shamsuddin,44, CIMB bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad,38 and lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim,32, were reported missing on Aug 30 after going to Banting to discuss a land deal.

They were bludgeoned to death, burnt and their ashes strewn in a river in Ladang Gadong, Tanjung Sepat near Banting.

-- BERNAMA

Suspects Taken To Ladang Gadong To Help Find New Evidence

BANTING, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Four suspects believed responsible for the murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others were again taken to Ladang Gadong.

The suspects clad in orange prison attire arrived in a police van at 11.20am Monday to help the forensic team find new evidence.

Police took them away at 3.30pm after no new evidence was found during the four hour search operation.

The search for new evidence in the high profile murder case that has gripped the nation will continue Tuesday.

Sosilawati, 47, her driver Kamarudin Shansuddin,44, CIMB Bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, and lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32, were reported missing on Aug 30 after a meeting here over a land matter.

The foursome were bludgeoned to death, burnt and their ashes strewn in a river in Ladang Gadong, Tanjung Sepat near here.

-- BERNAMA

Underworld reaching out to Indians

Much hype has been created after two lawyer brothers had been arrested and remanded to help the police in the investigations into the murders the cosmetics queen Sosilawati. The two lawyer brothers being ethnic Indians, has now brought about the same old rhetoric about the modus operandi of these gruesome murders which apes the styles of murders acted in Tamil movies.

So the moral of the story is that reduce the number of Tamil movies being screened and Indian Malaysians will not resort to violence anymore. Is it as easy as that? I have my doubts. I do agree with many of the well-researched analyses provided by many that the main cause of Indian youths turning to violence is because of the lack of opportunities in any sphere of their lives.

It is easy to blame the MIC but as Indian Malaysians aren't we also entitled to equality in treatment and opportunities in this beloved land of ours? Why do we finally say that it has been the fault of the MIC for not speaking up for the Indians? Shouldn't it be the BN government of the day led by Umno since Independence who should bear the burden of responding to such a demand?

There was once a time when we used to see many Indian headmasters/mistresses of secondary schools, Indian police state chiefs, Indian government servants in the railways, waterworks, public utilities, sport bodies and many other arenas but all this is history now. We do not even see Indian boys and girls being elected as head prefects of their schools anymore. If ever we do come across one, it would be a rarity but sadly that is the current status quo.

So with this unequal situation, what do these youths do with their energy? If it is not tapped by the government which was brought to power with their votes, the underworld will tap into this vast human resource to expand their activities. When this happens, we quickly point fingers but do we stop to resolve a way to overcome this imbalance?

After many years of mental slumber where most were lulled into being unable to think, a revolt came and it brought about a jolt in the Indian mind which has now woken up but is it fair to blame current Pakatan Rakyat \governments for what had been socially engineered by the BN for the past 53 years? Can a new Pakatan government do magic by waving their magic wand and change the situation overnight?

From what we have seen so far in most sensational criminal cases, Indians seem to be the best 'runners', middlemen, henchmen, scapegoats, point men and foot soldiers for those high up in the social strata who may be of other ethnic races in the country. What can be seen from this is that for the Indian, if a call comes from those high up in positions of power, like the government, politicians and wealthy businessmen, they will heed the call and do as instructed.

So what we have is a loyal and blind allegiance mentality which many feel will uplift them socially. Can we blame them? Who won't want that. But are we harnessing this energy for the right purpose?

What if more opportunities were given based on merit, ability, interest and the will to succeed without ever bringing in the colour of the skin or the religion that one belongs to. Wouldn't it direct their energies to doing good and benefitting society along the way? As the HRP secretary general P Uthayakumar had pointed out, many are still roaming the country without proper birth documents although they would have been in this country for the past three to four generations.

Licenses, franchises, operating permits for petrol stations, stalls at highway rest areas are still not given to the Indians. The Umno- led federal government fails to realise that all these socials ills will eventually give Malaysia a very bad name internationally in every sphere from politics to human rights.

It will reflect badly on them but having been at the helm for the past five decades why didn't they do some thing to stop this imbalance? Has this been a master plan to slowly get the Indians out of the mainstream or has it been a plain 'not-at-all-bothered attitude' shown towards the Indians?

It is of no use to coax and cajole Indians of different South Indian heritage by attending gatherings organized by the Tamils, Telegus and Malayalees. it would be better to get the job done by opening the doors of opportunity for the best to serve. If Tony Fernandez has made AirAsia soar high in the low-cost airline industry, then he must be seen as a Malaysian of Indian decent who has made the country proud instead of being seen as a threat to other races.

The same will be applicable to the likes of Ananda Krishnan of Maxis, Ganalingam of West Port and AK Nathan of Eversendai. They must be seen as the Malaysia's ability and strength instead of being viewed with the racial lens.

Malaysia's strength lies in its diversity and if we fail to realise and tap that resource, it will be our failure to realize a very bright future in the development of our mindset. We seek equality in every sense of the word.

290 lawyers arrested this year, says Bukit Aman

KUALA LUMPUR: This year alone, 290 lawyers have been investigated for various offences such as fraud, breach of trust, as well as falsifying documents and affidavits.

From the total, 35 lawyers have already been arrested for the offences, said Bukit Aman commercial crime deputy director, Datuk Nooryah Anvar.

She said Selangor made up the highest number of lawyers arrested, with 10, followed by Johor (eight), KL (four), Kedah (four), Perak (three), Negri Sembilan (three), Penang (two), and Malacca with one arrest made.

She said the latest arrest was made this morning in Bandar Sunway, where a 50-year-old lawyer was nabbed for a fraud case involving a land deal in KL worth RM15 million.

She said the lawyer was detained at 8am and will be charged at the Jalan Duta court late this afternoon. She declined to elaborate on the suspect.

Nooryah, however, ruled out that the lawyers were connected to the suspected murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others.

"No, they were arrested for fraud and falsified documents. They have nothing to do with the murder case," she said.

Schizoprehnics: Can The Sane Help The Insane?

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysians are still reeling from a spate of bizzare murders and the year 2010 will probably stand out for macabre killings committed by both the sane and insane perpetrators.

While the nation's attention is now fixated on the murder of prominent cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others that appears to be premeditated, in retrospect 2010 also witnessed a number of grisly murders committed on the reason of insanity.

In the first slayings that shocked the nation, on Jan 5 a mentally unsound man killed his sister, father, grandfather and grandmother at the family home in Kampung Batang Rokan, Gemencheh.

The victims were decapitated, stabbed or their limbs severed in the vicious attack using a machete.

In August, in Teluk Intan, an ex-security guard with a history of mental illness slashed his wife to death with a machete and seriously injured his daughter in a rampage.

While the most recent slaying involved one victim only, it was no less gruesome. A three year old boy was decapitated by his own mentally ill father at their home.

The three are probably among the most notable ghastly murders committed by those suffering from psychiatric disorders so far this year and they are not isolated cases. Over the years Malaysians have witnessed numerous tragedies involving insane perpetrators.

Nonetheless, with 300,000 Malaysians or 1 percent of the population estimated to be suffering from a psychiatric disorder known as schizophrenia, with a big number having no treatment, they are a time bomb for the society.

CRIME OF THE SOCIETY

Those suffering from schizophrenia may commit crimes under the aggressive commands of hallucinations but their plight has been overlooked by the society. Is it possible for the sane segment of the society do something to help the insane?

Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Abdul Kadir Abu Bakar who is also the President of the Malaysian Psychiatric Association (MPA) notes that the awareness on mental ailments like schizophrenia that are treatable is still lacking.

Moreover, the rights of those suffering from mental ailments like schizophrenia to seek treatment and the opportunity to remain with the society have been constantly violated.

Often they are stigmatised by their own families and the society. Employers shy away from employing them or offer them a lower salary. Thus they are pushed to a corner and neglected.

Dr Abdul Kadir points out there are many effective psychotic drugs available to treat schizophrenics and the rate of relapse is about 1 percent only. But it is a long term treatment that calls for commitment from family members to ensure follow-up treatment is adhered to.

Treatment under incarceration in mental institutions is certainly not a viable option. Community based psychosocial intervention is the best remedy as this will ensure those with psychiatric disorders have the backing of the community and family in continuing with their treatment.

But in Malaysia, this is not the case. Almost 80 percent of the patients do not seek follow up treatment often due to the lack of support from the family itself or other constraints.

This is a worrisome scenario especially when the threat risk posed by a schizophrenic who is not undergoing treatment is four times greater than the one undergoing treatment. Interestingly, Dr Abdul Kadir points out that drug addicts are 20 times more dangerous that schizophrenics.

"Therefore it is the society's crime if they fail to ensure those with mental ailments keep up with their treatment," says Dr Abdul Kadir.

Thus when the schizophrenics are left untreated, the society is not free from the blame for crimes committed by the insane.

EASY ACCESS TO TREATMENT

However, Dr Abdul Kadir admits that while mental healthcare has been integrated into the primary care services since 1996 there are still some limitations to the treatment delivery outside main health facilities.

Among the main contention is that 85 percent of the funds and resources for mental healthcare are locked in four of the nation's mental institutions - Hospital Bahagia in Tanjung Rambutan, Ipoh, Hospital Permai in Tampoi, Johor Baharu, Hospital Sentosa in Kuching and Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang in Kota Kinabalu.

Thus people in faraway places or the outskirts are deprived of mental healthcare.

Meanwhile, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye who is the member of the Mental Health Promotion Advisory Council notes that as the number of people with mental ailments are on the rise, the society has to stop stigmatising people suffering from mental illness.

The third National Health and Morbidity Survey 2006 pointed out that mental health problems in children and teenagers had increased from 13 percent in 1996 to 20.3 percent in 2006 and in adults from 10.6 percent to 11.2 percent during the same period.

"Slayings, attacks, amok and suicide involving the mentally ill have been recurring and serves as a reminder that these people have been neglected by the society."

Lee who received the 2010 Pinel Award from MPA recently for his role in creating awareness on mental health calls for action to end stigmatising and to bring greater awareness on the fact that psychiatric disorders can be treated.

Most importantly, the public must realise that not all schizophrenics are criminals and they are just one of us in the family or society. Their well-being is the society's and family's well-being.

-- BERNAMA

Main Suspect In Sosilawati Murder Alleges Police Brutality

PETALING JAYA, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The main suspect in the murder of cosmetics queen Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others lodged a police report Sunday, alleging police brutality while under remand.

The 41-year-old who filed a report at the Petaling Jaya police headquarters, was escorted by several policemen and watched closely by his two lawyers, Ravi Nekoo and Pushpa Ratnam.

The suspect was seen entering the police headquarters at 4.15pm before leaving about an hour later, in a police car.

According to the report, the suspect alleged he was kicked and assaulted by policemen using a rubber hose, as well as hit on his private parts with a stick.

He said he was also forced to perform 60 repetitive squat stands until he passed out, adding that he was also forced to admit and point his finger involuntarily to where a murder victim's mobile phone was thrown.

Meanwhile, Nekoo said the police were cooperative and allowed the suspect to make a report on police mistreatment which resulted in back injuries.

"He (suspect) claimed to have been slapped and beaten until his front teeth became loose, and even experienced back pains...the suspect will be sent to the hospital for treatment but the date and hospital have not been confirmed.

"The suspect claimed he was not involved in the murder...however, he is ready to help the police in any way but hopes to be treated better and fairly," he told reporters outside the police headquarters.

On Sept 23, D. P. Vijandran, who is one of the suspect's lawyers, alleged that his client was hit and kicked, resulting in body injuries.

The matter was made known by his client during Vijandran's first visit with his two clients, which lasted 15 minutes, at the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters.

Subsequently, Bukit Aman CID director Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin told the suspect to file a police report, should they be abused or forced to sign documents by the police team during their remand period to enable a thorough investigation.

Sosilawati, 47, her driver, Kamaruddin Shamsuddin, 44, Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur CIMB bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, and personal lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abd Karim, 32, were reported missing since Aug 30 after they were said to have gone to Banting over a land transaction.

On Sept 13, police confirmed that the four victims were beaten to death before their bodies were burnt and the ashes scattered into a river near Ladang Gadong, Banting, Selangor.

In BANTING, a source linked to the investigations of these murders termed the Banting murders by the press, told reporters that no bodies were found at two locations police had identified as graves at Ladong Gadong.

He only said police appeared to be satisfied to have found some evidence but did not wish to disclose if they were bone fragments or personal effects of victims.

He was only willing to say that the find provided leads in the case of missing Kedah businessman Mohd Shafik Abdullah.

Mohd Shafik, who hails from Sungei Petani, is also believed to have been murdered by the same people as in the Sosilawati case.

Asked about the presence of fire and rescue personnel and fire engines at the scene, he said they were there to assist in providing water supply for the investigation team and that the assistance of Syabas was also sought to repair broken mains in the area.

Pressmen who had staked out the area from early morning till 6.55pm did not see police Land Rovers bringing out any body bags as is normally witnessed in murders and neither was there the stench of decaying corpses.

Only seen were 10 police vehicles and a backhoe entering the area together with four suspects in the case.

In other developments, S.Usharani, 27, the wife of missing Indian multi-millionaire Allal Kanthan Muthuraja, whose missing is also linked to the Banting murders, was seen entering the Kuala Langat police headquarters at 10am and leaving at 10.45.

Police have re-classified this case from missing person to murder victim.

-- BERNAMA

Polis temui tulang lagi

KUALA LANGAT 26 Sept. - Polis dipercayai menemui petunjuk baru dalam kes kehilangan ahli perniagaan dari Sungai Petani, Kedah, April lalu, apabila menemui sejumlah tulang manusia di ladang milik suspek utama pembunuhan jutawan kosmetik, Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya dan tiga lagi individu, di Ladang Gadong di sini hari ini.

Petunjuk baru itu diperoleh di dua lokasi mayat didakwa ditanam selepas kerja-kerja menggali menggunakan sebuah jentolak dijalankan selama lapan jam dengan dibantu jentera Bomba dan Penyelamat.

Sumber berkata, polis menemui tulang-tulang berkenaan di kedua-dua lokasi terbabit.

Beliau bagaimanapun tidak mendedahkan sama ada polis turut menjumpai barang milik mangsa.

Sebelum ini isteri Mohd. Shafik Abdullah, 37, Samson Nahar Dali, 35, dimaklumkan oleh polis bahawa 95 peratus kemungkinan suaminya telah dibunuh.

Ia adalah berikutan pengesahan salah seorang suspek yang mengaku melakukan jenayah itu selain polis juga menemui seutas jam tangan berjenama Polo milik mangsa tersebut.

Semalam, dua lokasi berasingan dipercayai tempat dua mayat didakwa ditanam di kawasan Ladang Gadong, iaitu lokasi ladang milik suspek utama kes pembunuhan Sosilawati dikenal pasti polis.

Dua mayat individu terbabit termasuk salah seorang daripadanya dipercayai Mohd. Shafik yang dilaporkan hilang sejak April lalu.

Kedua-dua mayat itu dipercayai ada kaitan dengan suspek utama yang merupakan seorang peguam bergelar Datuk.

Salah satu daripada lokasi itu dikenal pasti berhampiran kuarters pekerja di belakang kawasan ladang manakala satu lagi dipercayai ditemui beberapa meter di luar ladang tersebut.

Jumlah mangsa ditentukan selepas siasatan menyeluruh

KUALA TERENGGANU 26 Sept. - Polis tidak akan mendedahkan jumlah mangsa atau kes orang hilang yang membabitkan suspek utama pembunuhan jutawan kosmetik, Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, sehingga siasatan menyeluruh selesai dilakukan.

Ketua Polis Negara, Tan Sri Ismail Omar berkata, selain kes pembunuhan Sosilawati serta tiga individu, siasatan masih diteruskan tentang kemungkinan wujud mangsa-mangsa lain.

"Hari ini saya tidak mahu mengesahkan apa-apa. Usaha yang dijalankan itu lebih penting. Apabila sudah dapat bukti dan fakta, baru kita beritahu," katanya kepada pemberita pada majlis Sambutan Hari Raya Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Terengganu, di sini hari ini.

Beliau diminta mengesahkan jumlah kematian dan kes kehilangan individu yang dikaitkan dengan suspek pembunuhan kejam itu.

Sehubungan itu, Ismail meminta media tidak sewenang-wenangnya mengeluarkan laporan berita berbentuk spekulasi berhubung kes pembunuhan tersebut kerana siasatan masih dijalankan.

Sosilawati, 47, bersama pemandu peribadinya, Kamarudin Shamsudin, 44; pegawai Bank CIMB, Noorhisham Mohammad, 38 dan peguam peribadi, Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32, dilaporkan hilang sejak 30 Ogos lalu selepas dikatakan ke Banting, di sini untuk urusan pembelian tanah.

Berikutan kehilangan keempat-empat individu itu, polis telah menahan lapan suspek untuk membantu siasatan kes berkenaan pada 9 dan 10 September lalu.

Sosilawati's Daughter To Speak To Bernama Radio24 On Monday Evening

UALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Erni Dekritawati Yuliana Bukhari, the eldest daughter of cosmetics tycoon, the late Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, will be interviewed on the "Kerusi Panas" programme of Bernama Radio24 (93.9FM) from 6.30pm Monday.

A spokesman of the radio station said she was expected to speak on her future plans as well as that of the cosmetics company founded by her mother as a result of the latter's untimely demise.

-- BERNAMA

Banting Murders: Police To Dig Two New Burial Sites At Farm

KUALA LANGAT, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Police Saturday brought in a bulldozer into Ladang Gadong, Banting, to carry out digging works at two new burial sites at the farm where the Banting murders were alleged to have taken place. It is learnt that one of the sites was located within the farm belonging to one of the suspects, while the other was located outside. Police obtained leads to the location of the two sites after the four suspects in the Banting murders were brought to the farm about 4pm, and about half-an-hour later, a bulldozer was seen entering the area. However, digging works at the two sites would only be done tomorrow as all police vehicles, including a van carrying the suspects, left the area about 6.45pm. Sosilawati, 47, her driver Kamarudin Shansudin, lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim and CIMB bank officer Norhisham Mohammad went missing on Aug 30 after going to Banting for a land purchase deal.

Police found out that they had been killed, their bodies burnt and the ashes thrown into rivers in the vicinity of Sungai Gadong, Tanjung Sepat, near Banting, Selangor. One of the suspects in the case was also linked to the disappearance of several individuals, including a businessman from India, Allal Kanthan Muthuraja, 34, and a contractot from Kedah, Shafik Abdullah, 37, and his friend. Allal was reported missing after arriving in Malaysia last Jan 18, while Shafik and his friend were reported missing five months ago. They went missing allegedly after meeting the suspect. -- BERNAMA

Three Main Suspects In Banting Murder Re-arrested

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Three main suspects, including two lawyer brothers, in the murder of cosmetic queen Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others, have been re-arrested for investigation into the murder of a businessman from India.

Bukit Aman Crime Investigation Department deputy director, Datuk Hadi Ho Abdullah, said police would apply for an order to remand them Sunday.

The disappearance of the Indian businessman, Allal Kathan Muthuraja, was linked to the suspects in the murders of Sosilawati and the three men, when he went missing after allegedly picked up by the two lawyer brothers at the KL International Airport on arrival in Malaysia last Jan 18.

Last Wednesday,, police confirmed that Muthuraja, who was reported missing early this year, had been murdered.

Muthuraja's wife, S Usharani lodged a report at the Bating police station last Sept 8 on her husband's disappearance. Yesterday, she was at the Kuala Langat police station to give her statement.

The three suspects had been in remand since Sept 12 to assist police investigations into the brutal murder of Sosilawati, 47, her driver Kamaruddin Shamsuddin, 44, CIMB bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, and lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abd Karim, 32, who were reported missing on Aug 30 after they went to Banting for a land purchase deal.

Police found out that they had been killed, their bodies burnt and the ashes thrown into rivers in the vicinity of Sungai Gadong, Tanjung Sepat, near Banting, Selangor.

-- BERNAMA

Sosilawati murder: Police expect to wrap up probe soon, says IGP (Updated)

GEORGE TOWN: Police are expected to complete their investigations into the murder of cosmetics queen Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others, soon, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said on Saturday.

"We are continuing our investigations... we should be able to complete them soon," he told reporters after attending an Aidilfitri open house hosted by state police chief Datuk Ayub Yaakob here.

Meanwhile, in Kuala Langat, Selangor, divers of the Marine Operations Force continued to scour a sluice near Banting for a new lead into the case.

A check by Bernama at the site showed that a police line had been set up about 100 metres from the location, with several police cars seen in the vicinity.

The operations from 11am to 1pm attracted a group of onlookers. Six divers were seen diving in the drainage but there was no telling if they had found anything.

On Tuesday, the divers found what looked like a golden bangle at a sluice in Kampung Sungai Lang, about 200 meters from the location today.

Sosilawati, 47, her driver Kamarudin Shansudin, lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim and CIMB bank officer Norhisham Mohammad went missing on Aug 30 after going to Banting over a land deal. Police found out that they had been killed, their bodies burnt and the ashes thrown into rivers in the vicinity of Sungai Gadong, Tanjung Sepat, near Banting, Selangor.

Police have arrested eight men, including two lawyers, in connection with the case. - Bernama

Sosilawati, A Good Friend, Says Jamal

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Singer Jamal Abdillah, dubbed the Malaysian "King of Pop" and cosmetic queen Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, who was brutally murdered, were good friends.

Jamal said Sosilawati helped him alot in building up his career in the music industry, as well as in his venture to launch his own health products.

"She gave me a lot of ideas and provided investment assistance in the production of my health products, which are scheduled to be in the market by May next year," said the singer when met at a Aidilfitri gathering at Rumah Pengasih, Bukit Tunku, on Saturday.

Jamal said he last met Sosilawati at her daughter Erni Dekritawati Yuliana Bukhairi's 25th birthday celebration in Klang last July.

He said he would meet Erni Dekritawati Yuliana to pursue discussion on the matter.

Jamal, whose real name is Jamal Ubaidillah Ali, described Sosilawati as approachable, friendly and generous.

"She contributed RM25,000 to sponsor my "Jamal Kembara Seniman' concert at Istana Budaya on Sept 8 last year," he added.

Sosilawati, 47, her driver Kamarudin Shansudin, lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim and CIMB bank officer Norhisham Mohammad went missing on Aug 30 after going to Banting for a land purchase deal.

Police found out that they had been killed, their bodies burnt and the ashes thrown into rivers in the vicinity of Sungai Gadong, Tanjung Sepat, near Banting, Selangor.

-- BERNAMA

Shamsul gesa KP Selangor ikut prosedur

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 Sept: Ketua Angkatan Muda Keadilan Malaysia (AMK), Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin menggesa Ketua Polis Selangor profesional dalam menjalankan siasatan terhadapnya berkait kes pembunuhan jutawan kosmetik, Sosilawati Lawiya.

Shamsul dalam satu kenyataan balas kepada Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar berkata, pihak polis harus mengikut prosedur yang betul jika mahu memanggil beliau untuk memberikan keterangan.

"Sekiranya saya mahu dipanggil, sewajarnya prosedur yang betul dipatuhi, bukannya siasatan melalui media (investigation through media).

"Sebagai rakyat Malaysia, apatah lagi sebagai pengamal undang-undang saya tertakluk kepada undang-undang, bukannya hebahan media seseorang pegawai kanan polis," kata Shamsul.

Menurut Shamsul, beliau akan menghantar satu salinan kenyataan rasminya ke laman sosial Facebook Khalid dan turut mengarahkan peguamnya, Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff untuk berurusan dengan pihak polis.

"Saya juga akan menghantar sesalinan respons rasmi saya ke laman sosial Facebook Datuk Khalid memandangkan "kaedah Facebook" ini merupakan kegemaran beliau," katanya.

Beliau juga akan mengadakan satu sidang media selepas bertemu Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) jam 3 petang esok bagi menjelaskan pendiriannya kepada umum.

Khalid sebelum ini mendakwa Shamsul gagal dihubungi bagi mendapatkan keterangan berhubung kenyataan beliau mengenai kes pembunuhan Sosilawati.

Khalid berkata, kegagalan Shamsul berkerjasama dengan pihak polis itu memungkinkan waran tangkap dikeluarkan kepada beliau.

Shamsul bagaimanapun sekali lagi menegaskan bahawa beliau tidak pernah membuat sebarang tuduhan, sebaliknya melontarkan pertanyaan kemungkinan wujud sebarang bentuk salah guna kuasa dan penyelewengan di peringkat Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah Banting.

Ianya ekoran kegagalan pihak polis bertindak dalam beberapa kes bunuh terdahulu yang melibatkan suspek yang telah diklasifikasikan sebagai kes orang hilang.

Menurutnya, kes-kes berkenaan hanya dibuka semula selepas terbongkarnya kes pembunuhan Sosilawati.

Beliau juga menegaskan, sehingga hari ini beliau tidak pernah dimaklumkan menurut kaedah-kaedah dan amalan undang-undang seperti yang diperincikan di dalam Kanun Acara Jenayah di dalam hal yang bersabit dengan prosedur memberikan sebarang kenyataan untuk membantu siasatan polis.

"Justeru adalah sangat tidak adil dan tersasar dari lunas undang-undang jika polis mendakwa saya gagal dihubungi sedangkan tidak ada sebarang percubaan menurut kaedah undang-undang untuk menghubungi saya dilakukan," katanya.

Shamsul ke SPRM serah bukti, beri keterangan

PUTRAJAYA 24 Sept. - Ketua Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK), Shamsul Iskandar Mohd. Akin hari ini hadir di pejabat Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) bagi memberi keterangan dan menyerahkan bukti berhubung dakwaannya yang mengaitkan polis dengan kes pembunuhan jutawan kosmetik, Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya.

Beliau tiba di ibu pejabat SPRM kira-kira pukul 3.20 petang dan selesai memberi keterangan sejam kemudian.

Ketika ditemui pemberita Shamsul Iskandar bagaimanapun enggan mengulas lanjut mengenai bukti yang diserahkan kepada SPRM, sebaliknya mengulangi kenyataannya menafikan polis pernah menghubunginya supaya tampil memberi keterangan berhubung dakwaannya itu.

"Saya tidak tahu menahu apa-apa mengenai perkara itu. Saya hanya tahu melalui media dan sepatutnya saya dimaklumkan mengikut saluran undang-undang yang betul.

"Saya hendak tahu apa kesalahan saya, apa yang perlu saya jelaskan, apa jenis kerjasama yang boleh saya berikan,” katanya.

Samsul berkata, jika ingin memanggil beliau untuk memberi keterangan polis perlu menggunakan prosedur undang-undang seperti yang termaktub dalam Kanun Acara Jenayah. - Bernama

Polis nafi laporan akhbar katakan Sosilawati dirogol

KUALA LUMPUR 24 Sept. - Polis hari ini menafikan laporan media yang mengatakan polis sedang menyiasat kemungkinan mangsa pembunuhan kejam Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya dirogol.

Pengarah Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), Datuk Seri Mohd. Bakri Mohd. Zinin dalam satu kenyataan di sini menafikan laporan itu, yang disiarkan di muka depan sebuah harian berbahasa Melayu semalam bertajuk ‘8 suspek jalani ujian sperma: Polis menyiasat kemungkinan Sosilawati dirogol’.

Mohd. Bakri berkata, “Tujuan kelapan-lapan suspek dibawa ke Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) untuk pemeriksaan adalah bagi memastikan kesemua suspek dalam keadaan baik serta (untuk) mengenal pasti jika ada sebarang kecederaan mahupun penyakit yang dialami semua suspek sebelum dibenarkan berjumpa dengan peguam mereka,” katanya dalam kenyataan itu.

Bakri berkata, selain itu, tiada sebarang pemeriksaan lain dipohon oleh PDRM kepada pihak hospital ke atas kesemua suspek berkenaan.

Laporan akhbar itu mendakwa kesemua suspek termasuk dua beradik peguam diambil sampel darah dan air mani bagi ujian Asid Deoksiribonukleik (DNA) di HKL dua hari lepas.

Difahamkan juga sampel air mani diambil bagi menyiasat maklumat baru kemungkinan salah seorang mangsa turut dirogol. - Bernama

Muthuraja ‘movie plot’ unravels

THIRUNELVELI: The case of missing Indian businessman A. Muthuraja is playing like a drama - with the mystery of his disappearance, a search that spans two nations and a very nasty family feud.

His mother A. Ramalakshmi has made it known that her son was not on good terms with his wife S. Usharani.

She claimed her son wanted to “escape” from Usharani because she was always putting him under pressure.

“They quarrelled all the time and Usharani had threatened to commit suicide,” she added.

“He has asked me many times to take care of his three-year-old daughter Lakshmi Shree so he could walk away from the destructive relationship,” she said at her ancestral home in Thenkasi near here.

According to Ramalakshmi, Muthuraja spent most of his time in his estate in Mekarai, about 20km from Thenkasi.

She added that Muthuraja had built a house on the estate, which also had a waterfall and spent a lot of time there with his family and friends.

Muthuraja’s family members said his relationship with Usharani was a “mistake” after he became estranged from his first wife S. Ramalakshmi.

They claimed Usharani was a widow with one child when she met Muthuraja.

Muthuraja’s younger brother Dr Kasi Viswanathan said Usharani got married when she was only 15. Her wealthy husband later died and left her his assets.

Sources in Chennai said Muthuraja and Usharani had moved into an apartment only a day before he left for Malaysia on Jan 18.

“Judging from the amount of clothing he had packed, it looked like he was leaving,” the source said.

Having lost my wife and money, I now want justice done, says Bala

BANTING: "Thank God I've got my three children back to love me as their father."

"My previous three children have finally stopped blaming me for their mother's death. Now the police have finally contacted me about her murder last year."

Such was the emotional and tearful relief for workshop owner P. Balasandram, 54, after feeling he had been stonewalled by relatives, friends and also the police - following the brutal and fatal attack on his wife Selvi Tholan in April last year.

Balasandram said his three children - aged 20, 16 and 14 - blamed him for dealings he had with one of the lawyers, who are now prime suspects in the murders of Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and several others.

The two younger children were especially aggrieved by the loss of their mother accusing Balasandram of having mixed with the wrong crowd - resulting in two unknown assailants stabbing and slashing Selvi in front of their house in Taman Cempaka.

The bleeding victim was seen by a neighbour, who called the police. The eldest child, who slept through the attack, was the next to come to the aid the injured mother and immediately called his father.

The mother was rushed to the hospital in Banting, but she succumbed to injuries shortly after arrival.
Balasandram was left to break the tragic news to his two younger children. Since then he had to endure their accusations - till exactly one week ago.

"I am relieved the police have finally contacted me about my wife's murder. I hope justice will finally be served."

He also said his two youngest children have taken a keen interest in media reports on the gruesome murders, which have rocked the nation.

Claiming to have not received any word of investigation progress on his wife's murder all this while, Balasandram said the police told him there wasn't enough tangible proof at that time to trace the assailants.

"I'm just glad the police are following up with her case more intensely now since the death of Datuk Sosilawati."

Coincidentally, the two lawyers accused of Datuk Sosilawati's murder are also distant relatives to Balasandram. They even stayed in the vicinity of Balasandram's home in Taman Cempaka.

"It is because I trusted them. Had I agreed to take on a business proposal one of them made to me four years ago, and maybe that's why my wife was killed when things went wrong," said Balasandram.

The lawyer then suggested Balasandram get into the money-lending business by giving out friendly loans. The lawyer then got the borrowers and also witnessed three loan agreements signed in 2006.

The first agreement was for RM34,850, second RM48,800 and the final one RM80,000. While the first loan was fully paid off, the other two still remain unsettled.

And when Balasandram sought to get back his money plus interest, the borrowers refused to comply and instead referred him back to the same lawyer.

Worse, the lawyer then told Balasandram he wouldn't be able to do anything to reclaim the money owed and even challenged Balasandram to lodge a police report on the matter.

“I was also threatened by the lawyer. He said if I took this matter further, my family would be in danger."

Cheesed off by this response, Balasandram filed a civil claim against the borrowers and also the lawyer.

In retaliation, the lawyer lodged a police report claiming Balasandram had issued threats. As a result, Balasandram was detained and spent eight days in police lock-up - only to be released without facing charges.

Then, in December 2008, Balasandram was attacked in his workshop. “I was attacked by two guys, who came with a parang in tennis bag. I was unconscious after the attack."

Balasandram's nose was chopped off and he was slashed on the head. He spent almost a month in the hospital and another three months at home before recovering enough to return to his workshop.

He claimed to have received a threatening phone call upon his return to work, demanding he withdraw the civil suit against the outstanding loans.

Balasandram refused to comply and then, several months later, his wife was murdered.

After his wife's death, he hasn't pursued the court case on the outstanding loans as he feared for the safety of his children.

“Not only was I played out by the lawyer in the venture, but my wife’s life probably became the ultimate sacrifice because of it too,” he said sadly.

Oh brother! Usharani’s version is now disputed

CHENNAI: Dr Kasi Viswanathan has disputed his older brother A. Muthuraja's wife’s version of events surrounding her husband's disappearance.

He said yesterday that his family was concerned that Muthuraja’s wife S. Usharani was giving the authorities the wrong information.

“The passport that she’s showing the police and the media has expired. There were four expired passports attached to his current one.

“The current passport is missing and it must have been with him when he disappeared,” said Dr Kasi, who will arrive in Malaysia today to speak to the authorities.

He had lodged a missing person’s report about Muthuraja in March at the Klang district police station.

He said Usharani’s allegations that Muthuraja’s luggage had been given to him by one of the lawyer brothers was also untrue.

“I knew my brother liked to stay in Bukit Bintang due to the good choice of hotels there.

“I went to 11 hotels before finally locating my brother’s luggage when I was there in March,” he said.

He said Usharani was creating a ruckus because she was worried about herself now that Muthuraja was missing and wanted to establish her status as his wife.

“She has no legal link to him and even in his passport it’s stated that Ramalakshmi is his spouse. Her only trump card now is the child she had with my brother,” he said.

He said Usharani was also unable to bring her daughter to Malaysia because the child carried Muthuraja’s name.

“Since Usharani has no legal link with my brother, she cannot take his underage child out of the country. But Ramalakshmi is his legal wife and can travel with the child,” he said.

He also alleged that an Indian businessman based in Chennai was the one behind Usharani’s current actions.

“This businessman, who is instigating her obtained about RM40,000 from me for information about my brother and he put me in touch with a man called Elil to whom we paid another RM80,000,” he said.

It is believed that the Indian businessman is also a longtime friend of a PKR member who had put Usharani in touch with Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam.

Wife Of Missing Indian Businessman Reveals Recorded Phone Conversations

KLANG, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- S. Usharani, 27, the wife of an Indian millionaire businessman who has gone missing in Malaysia, on Thursday revealed to the media a recorded telephone conversation she has had with a lawyer who is a suspect in the co-called Banting murders.

Usharani played the two-minute telephone conversation recorded on her mobile telephone at a news conference held at the office of Kapar Member of Parliament S. Manikavasagam in Kapar near here.

The conversation, in Tamil and explained to reporters by lawyer Y. Murugan, was about Usharani's enquiries about the whereabouts of her husband, Allal Kanthan Muthuraja, 35.

Usharani said that during the conversation on Jan 28, the suspect claimed that he was in Thailand and would only be able to relate the whereabouts of her husband once he got back from there.

Reporters also listened to another recording, this time between Usharani and a man who claimed to be one ASP Suresh from the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters.

"ASP Suresh demanded RM1 million to free my husband because he claimed he (my husband) had been arrested for smuggling ketamine into the country," she said.

Usharani, who had flown in from Chennai, India, Wednesday, also said she had received a similar telephone call from a man who claimed to be one Inspector Muru from Bukit Aman.

Meanwhile, Manikavasagam said Usharani would hand over the recording to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar on Friday, at about 11.30am.

The Banting murders refer to the deaths of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, 47, her driver Kamaruddin Shamsudin, 44, lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32, and CIMB Bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, who went missing on Aug 30 after they went to Banting, Selangor, over a land deal.

Police found out that the four had been killed, their bodies burnt and the ashes thrown into rivers in the vicinity of Ladang Gadong near Banting, and picked up eight suspects, two of them lawyers, to facilitate investigations.

Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said Wednesday the police had upgraded the investigation into Muthuraja's case from missing person to murder based on indicators and evidence gathered so far.

Usharani had lodged a report at the Banting police station on Sept 8 that Muthuraja went missing after he had arrived in Malaysia on Jan 18.

She also went to the Kuala Langat district police headquarters Thursday to give a statement.

-- BERNAMA

Sosilawati murder: Main suspect claims cops assaulted him

By STEVEN DANIEL

Wives, lawyers get to meet brothers

KUALA LUMPUR: The main suspect in the murders of Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others is claiming that he was punched, kicked and forced to sign documents against his will by the police.

Three lawyers representing the suspect and his brother, both lawyers, managed to meet their clients for the first time at the city police headquarters here Thursday.

They arrived at 3pm and were accompanied by the wives of the suspects who were also granted permission to meet their husbands.

Lawyer D.P. Vijandran and Ravi Nekoo, speaking to the press after the 30-minute meeting, said the 41-year-old suspect claimed he had been abused by the police.

"He claimed he was beaten with a hose, punched in the face and kicked, which aggravated an old spinal injury," Vijandran said, adding that his client has yet to receive medical treatment for his injuries.

The main suspect also claimed he was forced to sign documents against his will.

Vijandran said they would be lodging a police report on the alleged abuse Friday.

"My clients claim they have nothing to do with what (the murders) they are being investigated for and that they are innocent.

"Nonetheless, they are willing to give their full cooperation to the police but hope to be treated fairly at the same time," Vijandran said.

Meanwhile, the wives managed to meet their husbands for about 10 minutes, under the watchful eyes of the police.

"They were not allowed to get close to each other. The wives were very calm and dignified during the meeting," he added.

Sosilawati, 47, and three others — lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32, CIMB Bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, and driver Kamarudin Shansudin, 44, went missing on Aug 30. Their remains were later found in Ladang Gadong, near Banting.

Eight suspects have been detained, among them, the two lawyer brothers.

Horror in Malaysia, questions in chennai

Sept. 22: Malaysia’s deadliest crime story in recent times has a Chennai link. Allal Kathan Muthuraja was a film financier living with his pretty wife Usha Rani and three-year-old daughter Lakshmi Shri at Ramapuram close to where a good many of Kollywood personalities live. It’s a rented house and that’s just one little aspect amid the many strange things popping off the cupboard of the 37-year-old handsome man hailing from Shengottai in Tirunelveli district.

While the wife claims that Muthuraja has been a film financier, not many in the film industry seem to know the man. A more serious question arising out of the Muthuraja case is why did Usha Rani keep mum all this time though the husband disappeared after leaving for Malaysia in January on being called by his long-time friends and business associates Surendar and Padmanabhan, lawyer-brothers living in Selangor in that country?

Why did she have to wait till the two Malaysians were arrested by the police there, suspected of murdering over 15 persons? Until their arrest, the brothers were enjoying great respect among the locals but things changed quickly for them when they allegedly killed businesswoman Sosilawati Lawiya and her three associates. These victims had gone missing on August 30 after visiting the brothers’ farmhouse to discuss a property deal.

Sources say that Usha Rani had been in touch with the brothers from January. However, she has claimed in her many media interviews — local Tamil news channels fed gregariously on the story of ‘millionaire’ Muthuraja missing in Malaysia — that she was knocking on all doors in Malaysia to get information about her missing husband.

She had contacted the Indian high commission in Malaysia, complained to the Interpol and the Malaysian police, but none helped. In the same breath, she also claimed that Surendar and Padmabhan avoided her calls. It's big mystery why the wife did not press her case strongly with the Malaysian police by telling them that Muthuraja went missing only after his trip to meet the brothers?

Usha Rani claimed that she paid `5 lakh to a man called Suresh, who claimed he was from the Malaysian police and demanded a bribe of `10 lakh to let her speak to her husband, who was in his custody for carrying two kilos of Ketamine. He was then in a car with a few blacks outside the Beach Club Hotel, Suresh told her. She had arranged the part-payment of `5 lakh through a ‘friend’ in Malaysia. She would not name that friend. In any case, there was no phone talk and she was not sure whether Suresh was really a cop and her husband was anywhere around there.

Now, Muthuraja has a brother Kasi Viswanathan working in Russia and he decided to go to Malaysia looking for him in May. The lawyer-brothers went along with him to the police to lodge a complaint about Muthuraja missing but they withdrew that complaint after Kasi left the place.

Strangely, the brothers handed over Muthuraja’s suitcase to Kasi, saying that the man had left it in the hotel while telling them he was going out and would soon be back. He never returned, Kasi was told.

He brought the suitcase to Chennai and handed it over Usha before returning to Russia. When Usha Rani obliged the TV cameras for visuals of the contents of the suitcase delivered to her at the Chennai home, there were several sets of brand new dresses. But then, didn’t she tell the media earlier that Muthuraja had gone to meet the lawyer-brothers on a one-day trip?

On Tuesday, she took the flight to Malaysia to continue her search for the husband, leaving the little daughter in the care of a maidservant she picked up just the previous day through ‘Just Dial’.

Malaysian media reported that she visited the lawyers' farmhouse along with a friend S. Manikavasagam, a local MP and later they also met some senior police officials.

The media also quoted the MP saying that he would not want to disclose where his Chennai guest lived because he feared for her safety. But that was before the Malaysian police announced, on Wednesday, that Muthuraja’s case was no more that of a man missing but one of murder.

The suspense of the missing Muthuraja might have ended but the mystery behind the murder remains buried deep, may not be necessarily in that farm stream.

Arrest Warrant Will Be Issued If Shamsul Iskandar Won't Assist Investigations- CPO

SHAH ALAM, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Police on Wednesday warned Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin that a warrant of arrest will be issued against him if he continued to avoid assisting investigations into the murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya.

Selangor chief police officer (CPO) Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said Shamsul Iskandar should come to the police if he really had evidence to support his allegations about the murder.

"However, till today he has not come forward and cannot be reached on his handphone. We are giving him ample opportunity to come an assist the police failing which we will invoke Section 111 of the Criminal Procedure Code for a warrant of arrest to be issued against him," he told reporters after receiving contributions of a mobile police station and three motorcycles from Sime Darby Property Bhd at the Selangor police headquarters here.

The vehicles worth RM617,250 were handed over by Sime Darby Property Bhd managing director, Tunku Datuk Putra Badlishah Tunku Annuar. Prior to this the media had reported that on Sept 13, Shamsul Iskandar, through the Selangor TV news portal, had alleged that police were involved in the murder of Sosilawati and three others.

Sosilawati, 47, her driver Kamaruddin Shamsudin, 44, lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32, and CIMB Bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, were killed, their bodies burnt and the ashes thrown into rivers in the vicinity of Ladang Gadong after they went missing on Aug 30 following a trip to Banting over a land deal.

Police have picked up eight suspects, among them two lawyers, in connection with the case.

Meanwhile, Khalid also issued a reminder to Kapar Member of Parliament S. Manikavasagam not to interfere in police work in the case.

"There is no need for politicians to try and become investigating officers. Stick to your job of serving the people and not do the work of the police," he said.

He was referring to Manikavasagam accompanying Indian national S. Usharani, to Ladang Gadong on Wednesday in connection with the disappearance of her husband Allal Kathan Muthuraja, 34, earlier this year.

The disappearance of Muthuraja has been linked to suspects in the murder of Sosilawati Lawiya and the three others.

Usharani, who had flown in from India, on Wednesday had also met the police in Banting over her husband's disappearance.

-- BERNAMA

Pembunuhan kejam Sosilawati: Dua senasib Wati

Kontraktor, rakan hilang selepas temui suspek utama kes pembunuhan
jutawan kosmetik

KUALA LUMPUR: Dua lagi individu, Shafik Abdullah, 37, dan sahabat baiknya semalam disahkan hilang selepas menemui suspek utama kes pembunuhan kejam jutawan kosmetik, Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, April lalu.
Shafik seorang kontraktor dari Sungai Petani, Kedah bersama rakannya itu dilaporkan hilang oleh keluarga mereka lima bulan lalu selepas dipercayai menemui peguam berkenaan di satu lokasi di ibu negara atas urusan perniagaan. Sumber memberitahu Berita Harian, buat masa ini, kedua-dua kes diklasifikasikan sebagai orang hilang dan siasatan dijalankan bagi mengenal pasti kaitannya dengan suspek utama kes Sosilawati.
Kehilangan mereka sudah dirujuk kepada Ibu pejabat Polis Daerah (Brickfields) untuk tindakan lanjut.

Bagaimanapun, melihat kepada modus operandinya, besar kemungkinan kehilangan mereka ada kaitan dengan suspek utama, katanya.

Sumber berkata, modus operandi kehilangan dua sahabat itu hampir sama dengan kes membabitkan jutawan kosmetik berkenaan sebelum dibunuh bersama pemandunya, Kamaruddin Shansuddin, 44; peguamnya, Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32, dan perunding kewangannya, Noorhisham Mohammad, 38 di sebuah ladang persendirian milik suspek di Morib, Banting.
Kedua-dua mangsa memberitahu keluarga masing-masing hendak ke ibu negara bertemu seseorang (peguam), dipercayai suspek utama kes Sosilawati atas urusan perniagaan sebelum hilang.

Malah, telefon bimbit juga gagal dihubungi, menyebabkan keluarga masing-masing diselubungi kebimbangan, lebih-lebih lagi selepas kes Sosilawati terbongkar.

Polis menemui kereta jenis Honda Stream milik Shafik di sebuah kondominium di ibu negara Mei lalu selepas keluarga mereka membuat laporan polis.

Polis ketika itu menyiasatnya sebagai kes orang hilang sehinggalah pembunuhan kejam Sosilawati terbongkar kerana kedua-dua mangsa dipercayai menemui peguam yang sama, katanya.

Menurut sumber, kedua-dua individu terbabit bukan saja sahabat baik, malah dipercayai rakan kongsi dalam perniagaan batu permata.

Sementara itu, isteri Shafik, Samson Nahar Mohd Dali berkata, dia dimaklumkan polis, 95 peratus kemungkinan suaminya adalah antara mangsa penjenayah kejam itu dan kini hanya menunggu pengesahan.

Katanya, berita itu dimaklumkan polis ketika berada di Banting, Selangor pada hari raya ketiga, 12 September lalu untuk membantu siasatan.

"Saya sedih bila mendapat tahu keadaan itu namun saya masih berharap agar peluang yang tipis itu akan bertukar menjadi satu keajaiban dan saya dapat bertemu kembali dengan suami," katanya.

Selain Shafik dan rakannya itu, Berita Harian sebelum ini turut melaporkan kehilangan saudagar batu permata, Allal Kathan Muthuraja, 34, dari Chennai, India sejurus tiba di Malaysia untuk meninjau peluang perniagaan, 18 Januari lalu selepas diyakini oleh suspek dan adik lelakinya, juga seorang peguam untuk berbuat demikian.

Allal yang mempunyai perniagaan hartanah, restoran, kewangan dan barang kemas dilaporkan hilang selepas dijemput kedua-dua suspek terbabit sebaik tiba di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA), Sepang.

Isterinya, S Usharani, 24, dipetik berkata, kali terakhir suaminya menelefonnya pada 18 Januari sebaik tiba di KLIA dan memaklumkan sudah dijemput oleh kedua-dua beradik berkenaan, seterusnya dibawa ke Banting sebelum hilang serta gagal dikesan hingga ke hari ini.

Sumber berkata, nasib semua individu terbabit masih belum dapat dipastikan, malah usaha mengesan mereka sedang giat dijalankan berdasarkan maklumat diperoleh daripada kedua-dua suspek utama itu, selain enam lagi pekerja ladang persendirian milik mereka yang turut ditahan bagi membantu siasatan.

Usaha juga sedang dijalankan bagi mengenalpasti kes-kes lain seumpamanya yang mempunyai kaitan dengan mereka, katanya.

Businessman sues Banting brothers

KLANG: A businessman has claimed that the lawyer brothers allegedly behind the murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya had cheated him of RM100,000 over the purchase of a house in Banting.

In his suit filed with the Sessions Court here in 2006, M. Rajeanteran, 44, claimed that he had entered into an agreement to purchase a house at No. 6, Jalan Teratai, Taman Seri Telok Datok, Banting, worth RM250,000 from one Sabariah Mahamod on Dec 14, 1998.

The suit, which came up for hearing at the Sessions Court here yesterday, named the two brothers as the first and second defendants, and Sabariah as the third defendant.

However, judge Anita Harun postponed the matter to Oct 15 to hear an earlier application by the brothers that their insurance company was repudiating their liability in the case.

T. Rajasekaran, who acted for Rajeanteran, said the matter in the suit was the subject of a complaint brought with the Legal Disciplinary Board, which decided to strike them off the rolls last year.

“However, the lawyer brothers subsequently got a stay on the decision through the Kuala Lumpur High Court,” he said.

In his statement of claim, Rajaeanteran contended that the brothers had misrepresented themselves as lawyers and used a false legal address when they prepared the agreement, for which he paid RM100,000 as deposit.

He also claimed that he had only entered into the agreement after they led him to believe that Sabariah wanted to sell the house at below market price.

The brothers, he alleged, had also prepared a false writ of summons, which they claimed they had filed with the Shah Alam High Court against Sabariah after it was found that the redemption sum for the bank mortgage on the house was actually higher than RM150,000, the remaining sum.

The plaintiff is now seeking the RM100,000 he had paid as deposit plus interest, general and exemplary damages, costs and other relief deemed reasonable by the court.

Kes bunuh Sosilawati: Lapan suspek dibawa ke HKL

KUALA LUMPUR 22 Sept. – Lapan suspek termasuk dua wanita yang ditahan berhubung kes pembunuhan kejam jutawan kosmetik, Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya dan tiga yang lain hari ini dibawa ke Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) dipercayai untuk diambil ujian asid deoksiribonukleik (DNA).

Kesemua mereka yang dikawal ketat anggota polis tiba di pekarangan unit kecemasan HKL pada pukul 3 petang sebelum dilihat keluar dua jam kemudian. – Utusan

Jam tangan jadi petunjuk suami mungkin senasib Sosilawati

SUNGAI PETANI 22 Sept. – Seutas jam tangan yang disahkan milik seorang kontraktor yang dilapor hilang April lepas, Mohd. Shafiq Abdullah, 37, menjadi petunjuk kemungkinan lelaki itu senasib dengan jutawan kosmetik, Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya.

Isteri kontraktor itu, Samson Nahar Mohamed Dali, 35, berkata, dia dipanggil oleh polis untuk mengenal pasti jam tangan berkenaan ketika ke Banting minggu lepas bagi membantu siasatan.

"Saya tak pasti macam mana polis jumpa jam itu tapi yang saya ingat jumpa di ladang, saya cam jam itu sebab suami ada banyak jam berjenama tapi satu itu saja yang bertali kulit jenama Puma,” katanya ketika ditemui pemberita di rumahnya di Taman Bunga Raya, di sini hari ini.

Samson Nahar berkata, beliau dipanggil oleh polis kerana dalam kenyataannya mengenai kehilangan suami di balai polis Petaling, Kuala Lumpur April lepas, beliau memberitahu telah menghubungi suspek utama kes pembunuhan Sosilawati untuk mencari Mohd Shafiq.

Beliau berkata, laporan polis mengenai kehilangan suaminya dibuat pada 13 April lepas di Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah Kuala Muda di sini dan kes itu kemudian dipindahkan ke balai polis Petaling kerana suaminya hilang di Kuala Lumpur.

Beliau berkata, polis juga telah mengambil sampel untuk ujian DNA daripada ibu Mohd. Shafiq yang kini menetap di Dengkil, Selangor.

"Polis juga ada meminta barang-barang peribadi suami, saya ada serahkan kasut suami minggu lepas kerana itu sahaja yang ada untuk membantu siasatan dan saya dimaklumkan keputusan DNA akan siap dalam dua minggu,” katanya. – Bernama

Sosilawati murder: A-G wants case probed further

PUTRAJAYA: The Attorney-General has returned investigation papers into the murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others to the police, and asked them to probe the case further.

Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail has also given several specific instructions to the police on the required probe and follow-up.

The A-G Chambers' prosecution division head Datuk Tun Abd Majid Tun Hamzah, who confirmed that the investigation papers were submitted on Tuesday, said the A-G had also asked the police to investigate other cases said to be linked to the suspects.

"The Attorney-General found that many issues needed further and deeper investigation. He had given certain instructions for the police to carry out.

"The Attorney-General has also asked police to investigate cases which are said to be linked with suspects of this case. Investigation papers were returned to the police on the same day," he said in a statement Wednesday.

Sosilawati, 47, her driver Kamaruddin Shamsuddin, 44, lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32 and CIMB bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, went missing on Aug 30 after they want to Banting in Selangor to discuss a land deal.

Police discovered that the four were killed, their bodies burnt and the ashes thrown into rivers near Ladang Gadong, Tanjung Sepat near Banting.

Polis sahkan ahli perniagaan India yang hilang dibunuh

KUALA LUMPUR 22 Sept. – Polis hari ini mengesahkan ahli perniagaan warga India, Allal Kathan Muthuraja yang dilapor hilang sejak awal tahun ini telah dibunuh.

Ketua Polis Selangor, Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar berkata, polis kini menyiasat kes kehilangan lelaki berusia 34 tahun yang tiba di Malaysia pada 18 Januari lepas itu sebagai kes bunuh mengikut Seksyen 302 Kanun Keseksaan.

"Saya sahkan mangsa dibunuh hasil daripada petunjuk dan keterangan-keterangan yang telah dikumpul.

“Berdasarkan dari itu kita telah “upgrade” kertas siasatan daripada orang hilang kepada kes bunuh,” katanya ketika dihubungi di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditanya mengenai perkembangan kes kehilangan ahli perniagaan hartanah, restoran dan barang kemas dari Chennai, India itu.

Kehilangan ahli perniagaan itu dikaitkan dengan suspek kes pembunuhan jutawan kosmetik Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya dan tiga yang lain apabila dia dilapor hilang selepas dijemput oleh kedua-dua peguam, yang juga merupakan suspek utama kes pembunuhan Sosilawati, di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur sebaik tiba di Malaysia 18 Januari lepas.

Isteri ahli perniagaan itu, S. Usharani, 24, membuat laporan polis berhubung kehilangan suaminya di Balai Polis Banting pada 8 September lepas.

Hari ini, Usharani menemui polis di Banting berhubung kes kehilangan suaminya itu. – Bernama

Police arrest 7 over death of contractor

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 21, 2010): The murder of a millionaire building contractor whose body was found in Kepong last month has been solved with the arrest of seven men over the past two days.

In a case which shared similarities with the death of Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, the body of Borhan Sulong was found on Aug 30 at Taman Ehsan Jaya, Desa Jaya, on the day he was supposed to meet several men to discuss a deal.

The family of 46-year-old victim, who was also the director of several constructions companies and the owner of at least two fish farms, had lodged a missing person report with police just a day before his body was recovered by police

A member of public alerted the police after spotting the body which was neatly wrapped in a large plastic bag and dumped in the area by his killers.

The victim was slashed and his left arm was almost severed after he was believed to have put up a struggle.

Although there were no identification papers on the victim's body, police managed to identify the man as the contractor two days later from his thumbprints.

Gombak police chief ACP Abdul Rahim Abdullah said the case was considered solved with the arrest of the seven men which included two Indonesians aged between 19 and 40 who were picked up from several areas in the Klang Valley over the past two days.

He said one of the suspects led police to an undergrowth located beside a plastic recycling warehouse where the alleged murder had taken place before the victim's body was dumped at the spot where it was found.

He said police also found two parangs at the scene which the suspects had allegedly used to slash the victim.

Abdul Rahim said investigators also learnt that the suspects, who have been remanded for seven days, were also involved in several robbery cases in the Klang Valley.

He said initial investigations showed that the victim was carrying a large amount of cash when he met the suspects to seek a favour.

It is believed that his killers had turned on him on seeing the cash.

The suspects were also said to have used the millionaire's Mercedes Benz to dump his body and sold the car to an unknown individual in another state.

Asked if the case had any links to Sosilawati's murder, Abdul Rahim said: "Our findings show both cases are separate and unrelated in any way."

Bar Council has limited powers

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 21, 2010): The enforcement powers of the Malaysian Bar Council are limited to the professional conduct of their members, said its president Ragunath Kesavan.

"The Bar Council does not have the authority to inquire into the private conduct of individuals who are lawyers by profession, including matters relating to their private lives.

"Our powers are very limited. As a statutory body, they are limited to only supervising and overseeing the professional practice of lawyers," he said today.

Ragunath said matters relating to private bank accounts or other assets that might be owned by a lawyer come under the jurisdiction of other bodies.

"Other enforcement agencies such as the police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Bank Negara or the Inland Revenue Board have the mandate to conduct such investigations," he said.

Ragunath went on to say that any individual could search for records of any lawyer on the Bar Council website.

"Any search on the lawyer’s name will produce their records, which will contain whatever information we have," he said.

He said the public could also call up the Bar Council offices during office hours to check the credentials of a lawyer.

Ragunath said information from the public was needed for the council to investigate or exercise its powers, which included the ability to take over a firm or strike a lawyer off the rolls.

"If there are any reports of misconduct, we have the power to take over the lawyer’s practice under Section 88(1) of the Legal Profession Act," he said.

"The Disciplinary Board undertakes a rigorous inquiry into each instance of alleged misconduct by lawyers. On average, 30 lawyers were struck off during each of the past five years," he said.

He said in cases where lawyers were convicted of serious offences such as corruption, fraud or murder, the lawyers were disbarred after a Bar Council inquiry.

Ragunath said that the key suspects in the murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, 47, and three others were disbarred in November last year.

However, their disbarment was postponed due to a stay of execution granted by the High Court.

Sosilawati, her driver Kamaruddin Shamsuddin, 44, lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32, and CIMB Bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, went missing on Aug 30.

Police have discovered that the four were killed, their bodies burnt and the ashes strewn into rivers near Ladang Gadong, Tanjung Sepat, near Banting.

Ragunath said he was concerned that undue allegations or speculations could affect investigations and court proceedings.

"We urge the media to ensure that the rights of all parties, including the detained, are protected," he said.

"A charged person is innocent until proven guilty," he added.

Police: 72 Investigation Papers On Lawyers During Last 10 Years

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Police on Tuesday denied that they were slow in taking action against lawyers who had breached the country's law.

Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said 72 investigation papers on malpractices and irregularities committed by lawyers in the state had been opened up during the last 10 years.

He said police had never ignored any case against erring lawyers and had set up a task force two years ago to monitor the involvement of lawyers in any malpractice.

He said the task force would meet every month to discuss development on cases involving lawyers in the state.

"Over the past 10 years, Selangor police have opened up 72 investigation papers on malpractices and irregularities by lawyers. In some cases, there were more than one investigation paper opened up against certain lawyers," he said in his social website Tuesday.

Khalid said six lawyers and a 'runner' for a lawyer had been prosecuted pertaining to 10 of the 72 cases reported, including one who was linked to the murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others.

-- BERNAMA

Police Divers Find Object Like Gold Bangle

BANTING, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Divers from the Marine Operations Force looking for evidence in the murder of cosmetic millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others on Tuesday found an object which looked like a gold bangle at a sluice at Kg Sungai Lang here.

The four divers started their search at the sluice, which is near a market, at 3.20pm and ended their operation at 5.05pm.

Also at the scene on Tuesday was the prime suspect in the murders, a 41-year-old lawyer, who is also being investigated in the case of an Indian national businessman reported missing in Banting early this year.

Despite the rain, a large crowd gathered in the area to watch the police team at work.

Meanwhile, at about 3pm, about 15 employees from the Selangor Veterinary Department arrived at the farm owned by the lawyer at Ladang Gadong, Tanjung Sepat where the murders were believed to have taken place.

They arrived in three four-wheel drive vehicles and a one-tonne lorry and were there for almost two hours to catch four cows and eight goats which were at the farm.

However, when approached by reporters, they employees declined to speak to the media.

Sosilawati, 47, lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32, CIMB bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, and driver Kamarudin Shansuddin, 44, were reported missing on Aug 30 after they going to Banting for a land purchase matter.

They were believed to have been murdered at the farm before their remains were burnt and the ashes and bones scattered in nearby rivers.

Police have detained the lawyer and seven others to assist investigations into the case.

BANTING, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- The lawyer who is a suspect in the murders of cosmetics queen Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others was on Tuesday taken to his law firm here for a second time since his arrest over a week ago.

The 41-year-old man, wearing the purple lock-up attire, was taken to the premises by a team of policemen at 2.25pm.

About 35 minutes later, two women, believed to be staff at the law firm, were seen coming out of the office, holding several documents.

The suspect was taken out of the office at 3.05pm and was whisked away in a Proton Waja police car.

A policeman was also seen coming out of the office, holding several files.

The man was later taken to a sluice at Kampung Sungai Lang here, about 3km from the his office, where Marine Operations Force members were scouring the river for new leads.

Sosilawati, 47, her driver Kamaruddin Shamsuddin, 44, lawyer Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim, 32, and CIMB Bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, went missing on Aug 30 after they went to Banting in Selangor over a land deal.

Police found out that the four were killed, their bodies burnt and the ashes thrown into rivers near Ladang Gadong, Tanjung Sepat, near here.

Police arrested the man and seven others, including the man's younger brother, also a lawyer, in connection with the case.

On Sept 14, police searched the law firm and took documents and computers.

Previous reports indicated that the law firm was the last location the four victims were seen alive.

Meanwhile, the Bar Council said the certificates in legal practice for the two lawyers had been suspended and that the two were disbarred on Nov 5 last year.

Bar Council president Ragunath Kesavan told a news conference in Kuala Lumpur that the move was taken following investigation on their alleged misconduct.

The two had filed an appeal to the High Court here for a stay of the suspension order.

"Following the stay, they continued practising law but their memberships with the Bar Council have been cancelled," he said, adding that lawyers found to have misappropriated their clients' account, involved in corruption and other serious offences would have their licences cancelled.

Thirty lawyers had their licences revoked since the past five years, he added.

He described the figure as negligible because it only affected 0.02 per cent of the council's members but said that the council took seriously any report of misconduct among its members.

Ragunath also said that the Bar Council had decided not to represent the two lawyers but they both could appoint members of the bar to represent them.

He also extended condolences to the victims' families including the family of council member Ahmad Kamil, one of the murdered victims.

Ragunath reminded the people not to be too quick to pass judgment over the case.

He added that they should also carry out checks on the credentials of lawyers through the Bar Council's website before engaging them.

-- BERNAMA

Keputusan DNA belum diterima

KUALA LUMPUR 20 Sept. – Keputusan ujian asid deoksiribonukleik (DNA) ke atas serpihan tulang ditemui di Banting dalam kes pembunuhan kejam jutawan kosmetik, Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya dan tiga lagi yang sepatutnya diketahui hari ini, masih belum diterima polis.

Pengarah Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah, Ibu Pejabat Polis Bukit Aman, Datuk Seri Mohd. Bakri Mohd. Zinin (gambar) ketika mengesahkan perkara itu berkata, Jabatan Patologi Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) masih memerlukan masa untuk mengemas kini ujian terbabit.

“Kita belum menerima keputusan DNA itu yang masih belum selesai. Polis tidak boleh memaksa mereka (Jabatan Patologi HKL) untuk menyiapkan laporan DNA tersebut.

“Saya harap semua pihak dapat memberikan pihak berkenaan masa menyelesaikan ujian terbabit,” katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Sebelum ini, Mohd. Bakri pada satu sidang akhbar memberitahu, keputusan DNA itu dijangka diperolehi selepas empat hari iaitu hari ini.

Katanya, namun tempoh itu mungkin akan dilanjutkan sekiranya pihak patologi memerlukan ujian rapi.

Tambahnya, hasil ujian DNA itu juga bakal mendedahkan identiti pemilik tulang itu yang sebelum ini dikaitkan dengan Sosilawati dan tiga yang lain.

Sosilawati bersama pemandu peribadinya, Kamaruddin Shamsuddin, 44; pegawai bank CIMB, Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, dan peguam peribadi, Ahmad Kamil Abd. Karim, 32, dilaporkan hilang sejak 30 Ogos lalu selepas dikatakan ke Banting untuk urus niaga tanah.

Pada 13 September lalu, polis mengesahkan empat daripada lapan suspek mengaku memukul keempat-empat mangsa sehingga mati, membakar mayat mereka sebelum abunya dibuang ke dalam sungai berdekatan Ladang Gadong di Banting, Selangor

Sosilawati murder: 'Kamal King' was a popular musician

PETALING JAYA: The late Kamaruddin Shamsudin (pic), the driver for cosmetics queen Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, 47, both missing and believed to be murdered along with two others, had another illustrious career in the music industry.

He was known as "Kamal King" — as he also was a sound engineer and co-manager of King Musical Industries Sdn Bhd.

Jennifer Thompson, 47, a producer with the Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) told The Malay Mail that Kamaruddin, 44, was an ex-colleague while she was at King's studio.

"I enjoyed working with him. He was a friendly and hardworking person who liked music. He was also passionate about his work."

Kamaruddin joined King's Studio in 1991 and was involved in recording many local artistes. Said Thompson: "During the 1990s, King's Studio was a top recording place where many singers come. He recorded songs with many singers, including local rock outfit Lefthanded's frontman Nash, Ella, Search, Datuk Sharifah Aini and many more."

Music producer Dino Jamaludin Rasol also recalled when Kamaruddin was first asked to manage the recording studio, he took it with interest.

"After the economic recession, the sound engineers were allowed to manage King's Studio. In 1994, Kamaruddin and I first teamed up, and over the next few years, we helped build King's Studio up to the top of the local recording industry."

Dino said that Kamaruddin often played 'peacekeeper' during recording sessions.

"Sometimes, band members and artistes argued and fought among themselves. Kamaruddin, kind as he was, would gently advise them to calm down or even take them out for beverages to cool off.

"He was soft-spoken, polite and a workaholic. I remember him spending sleepless nights at the studio just to get the right blend of music. He just had to add part of himself in the recordings. It leaves a personal touch, he used to say."

Passionate and dedicated as was, Dino said, Kamaruddin could not help his love for music. "I remember him being a sessionist bass player for Saturine some time ago. The three-piece band consisted of us sound engineers, and Kamaruddin, as usual, was in the thick of the action."

As the music industry slowed down over the years, Kamaruddin chose to be part-time at King's studio which he comanaged with several others.

Kamaruddin was also a close friend and sound engineer to Nash, who was then married to Sosilawati. After the couple went their separate ways, she accepted Kamaruddin as her personal assistant.

When news broke about Kamaruddin's death, Dino and many of his former clients didn't know it was him as they knew him as 'Kamal King'.

It was only later did they know it was 'Kamal King' they had lost.

"Kamaruddin had big dreams," Dino continued. "He was saving money to open his own recording studio in his hometown in Kuantan."

Kamaruddin and Sosilawati were among four, including lawyer Ahmad Kamail Abdul Karim, 32, and bank officer Noorhisham Mohammad, 38, believed to have been murdered after they went missing on Aug 30.

Police had said their charred remains were strewn in the river and in several other streams in the vicinity of a poultry farm in Ladang Gadong, near Banting, about a week later.