PDRM Conducts Parallel Investigation In Policeman Stepping On Suspect’s Head - Ayob Khan

GEORGE TOWN, April 23 (Bernama) -- The police are conducting a parallel investigation into the viral incident involving a policeman who allegedly stepped on a man's head during an arrest in Kulim, Kedah, recently.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said his department would reveal the results of the investigation after it is completed under Sections 323 and 427 of the Penal Code as well as an internal investigation related to disciplinary action.

"The investigation is being conducted in parallel with a criminal investigation under Sections 323 and 427 of the Penal Code as well as another action under disciplinary action. Both investigations are ongoing.

"So give the police time to complete the investigation and the results and further action will be announced. Our action has been taken and investigations are underway,” he told reporters after attending the Penang Crime Consciousness and Public Security Society (CCPSS) Premier Forum here today.

He stressed that PDRM would not protect any officer or member involved in misconduct.

Explaining further, Ayob Khan said the standard operating procedure (SOP) for arrests had indeed been set and allowed the use of force in certain circumstances.

However, in certain situations, especially when the suspect's actions could threaten security, he said the level of force used may be different and needs to be assessed based on the current situation.

“There is indeed an SOP set and members can use minimum force if the suspect resists, but the force must be reasonable but sometimes there is a grey line too, there is force we have to look at as well.

"If the suspect's actions resist and could threaten security, we will not want to use minimum force, it must be more force," he said.

Ayob Khan assured that the investigation would be conducted transparently and the results would be announced to the public once completed.

Earlier, PDRM confirmed a viral video showing the arrest of a man in front of a motorcycle accessories shop in Jalan Tunku Putra, Kulim, which occurred during a crime prevention patrol operation.

Kulim deputy district police chief DSP Tengku Mohd Faisal Tengku Yeng said the 29-second video recording that went viral on social media showed a man being pulled from a motorcycle until he fell before his head was stepped on by a police officer.

-- BERNAMA