“My son was treated like an animal. He was in the ‘kandang’ (cage) and we were outside.
“How embarrassing it was,” he said while holding back tears, claiming that his son made gestures suggesting that he was hungry in the cell.
“My son is not an animal. He’s a human being,” Ramakrishnan shouted while breaking down in tears.
Ramakrishnan, 65, was describing the moment when he and his son’s wife, Kastoori Sanjeevan, visited the MyWatch chairman yesterday at the police remand centre in Kuala Lumpur.
He was speaking to reporters outside the home affairs ministry today after handing over a memorandum, along with human rights group Suaram, condemning the detention and urging an intervention by the ministry.
According to Suaram President Sevan Doraisamy, it was alleged that Sanjeevan was beaten up after being blindfolded in detention at the police remand centre.
Kastoori also said that she had seen bruises on Sanjeevan’s hands and feet, adding that he had to be admitted in hospital for three days due to internal bleeding.
“I thought the 21 days of detention was for investigations. Now, I’m confused whether it’s for investigations or for torture.
“Why are they torturing him? He’s a Datuk and very professional. As far as I know, he is very cooperative.”
She expressed concern over his wellbeing, pointing out that he had severe heart problems and chronic nerve problems, claiming that her husband was not given his medication.
“All I want is for my husband to be in good health.”
Suaram is urging Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to intervene in the matter and to release Sanjeevan from being detained under the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca).
“We also demand that the police stop torturing detainees and investigate the claims made by Sanjeevan,” Sevan said.
Sanjeevan is currently being remanded for 21 days under Section 4(1)(a) of the Poca until the end of the month.
It was previously reported that Sanjeevan was facing 14 other charges, including falsifying documents, cheating, defamation and money laundering.
He was also probed for offences related to the Immigration Act and under the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001.