Family Seeks Answers from Authorities Over detainee's Hospitalisation

JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- The family of a detainee at the Johor Bahru Correctional Centre in Ulu Choh, Pontian is seeking answers from authorities regarding their son’s health after he was admitted at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital last week, without their knowledge.

S. Pannir, 51, the father of detainee P. Jagdesshraj, 21, said that he only discovered his youngest son was in the hospital when he attended the court hearing on Jan 20, where he was informed that his son was absent due to being hospitalised.

"I was informed that Jagdesshraj was taken to the hospital on Jan 20 but returned to remand prison. Other detainees then urged the prison authorities to send him back for treatment.

"I was told he was taken back to the hospital on Jan 21 and received permission to visit him on Jan 23. My wife, A Shanti, 51, and I saw that his condition was quite critical, but we have no idea what happened," he said at a press conference today, accompanied by the family's lawyer, Dinesh Muthal.

Meanwhile, Dinesh said the family only wants to know what had happened to Jagdesshraj, as he has been hospitalised for over a week under the supervision of three prison officers.

"On behalf of the family, I urge the authorities to provide an explanation regarding Jagdesshraj's condition, as they have yet to receive any information," he said.

Jagdesshraj was arrested in 2023 for a serious criminal offence, subsequently released on police bail, and later re-arrested and detained under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985. 

-- BERNAMA