The group, called the Vinayagam Action Team (VAT) and the man’s mother, Sumathi Gopal, today submitted their request to Suhakam.

According to activist Arun Doraisamy, who is part of VAT, Vinayagam was abducted from his car along Jalan Masjid India on Oct 26, 2021.

Upon realising that Vinayagam was missing, Arun said his family went to lodge a missing persons report at the Kota Damansara police station but were told to “hold off” for 24 hours.

Three days later, Vinayagam’s body was found by the roadside in Ulu Yam. Subsequently, Gombak police said it had classified the case as murder.

“After two weeks, nine individuals were remanded for several days and released.

“To date, we do not know if there are any suspects, charges or updates.”

In March 2022, Hindu NGO Agamam Ani Malaysia, the legal unit representing VAT and Sumathi, launched its own investigation into Vinayagam’s murder.

Arun claimed their investigations found there were 21 CCTVs monitoring the vicinity of the abduction site, where the body was found, as well as along the route between both locations.

He claimed to have video evidence relating to the case but will not share the information with the police because of a “trust deficit”.

Suhakam commissioner Mariati Robert, who met with the group, said they will evaluate VAT and Sumathi’s request.

“We will certainly follow up with the police and the media will be kept updated on reports and the process,” Mariati said.

FMT has reached out to the police for comment.