Sessions Court judge Mahyon Talib, acting as coroner, instructed the attorney-general and the inspector-general of police to carry out further action against the officers involved under the Criminal Procedure Code and the Federal Constitution for neglect.

“If he was given appropriate medical attention, his death could have been avoided,” Mahyon said.

Thanilas, 44, who had been detained under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985, was found unconscious in his cell at the Jinjang police lock-up on July 10, 2017.

He was taken to Hospital Kuala Lumpur but was pronounced dead.

Mahyon said the officers’ neglect had contributed to Thanilas’ death, adding they should have looked into the medical needs of detainees under their care.

Lawyer M Visvanathan, appearing for the family, told reporters later that there was no evidence Thanilas was involved in drug trafficking.

“They failed to give him appropriate medical attention and failed to send him to hospital.

“The husband and father of five died for no reason. If a detainee is sick, just send him to hospital,” he said.

Visvanathan said he had filed a civil suit against the officers, the IGP and the government over Thanilas’ death.

“The case has started but the defendants have yet to file their defence,” he said.