Commissioner Farah Nini Dusuki confirmed the investigation with FMT, saying it could expand to include healthcare and police issues.
Suhakam had previously been barred from speaking to an inmate at the Batu Gajah correctional centre and cancelled scheduled visits to Taiping prison.
Earlier today, Farah received a memorandum from the family of M Vijian, the inmate from Taiping prison who died after allegedly being beaten by wardens during a riot last month.
Vijan’s sister, Sisiliya Joseph, alleged that he was beaten by wardens during the riot, and suffered two broken ribs, which authorities concealed.
“We want justice for my brother’s death, and we request Suhakam to investigate this case and take action against Taiping Hospital and Taiping prison.
“Those who are suspected of beating my brother should be investigated under Section 302 of Penal Code (for murder),” she said.
According to Sisiliya, Vijian was admitted to the hospital on Jan 24 and died on Feb 15.
She said doctors initially suspected tuberculosis, but tests later confirmed severe bacterial infection in his lungs and kidneys.
“They had been administering TB medication for my brother since he was admitted to the hospital until the test results. That was a mistake,” she claimed.
The family was unhappy with the explanation that bacterial infection was the cause of death and requested that an autopsy be performed.
The post-mortem results from Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital revealed that Vijian had minor kidney infection and suffered two broken ribs.
“The prison did not tell us anything about it (the broken ribs allegedly sustained in custody).
“The Taiping Hospital also did not tell us about the two broken ribs although they took eight X-rays of him,” she said.
It was previously reported that 60 prison wardens had allegedly assaulted more than 100 prisoners in Taiping prison last month, leading to the death of one inmate.
Perak police have recorded statements from 82 individuals, including prison officers and inmates, as part of their investigation into the incident. Bukit Aman has now taken over the investigation.