Nakhon pathom: A younger brother is questioning the death of his older brother, who was allegedly physically assaulted and died in a holding cell at Bang Len Police Station in Nakhon Pathom province. The body showed signs of facial swelling and bruising. Police claim the inmates argued and assaulted each other. The family requested to see CCTV footage, but all cameras were claimed to be malfunctioning.
According to Thai News Agency, the family of 31-year-old Chakrit traveled to inquire about the progress of the investigation, requested to view CCTV footage, and sought clarification from the police. The family is concerned about the alleged assault on Chakrit inside a detention cell at Bang Len Police Station on February 22nd, which resulted in his death. The preliminary autopsy revealed that Chakrit suffered physical abuse, causing severe bruising and swelling on his face and body.
Mr. Jirawat, 25 years old, revealed that he was informed by the village headman that his older brother had passed away at Nakhon Pathom Hospital. He learned that the cause of death was unnatural, as his brother had been physically assaulted inside a detention cell at Bang Len Police Station.
According to inquiries, before being taken into custody, the older brother was intoxicated and caused a disturbance inside Wat Lam Phaya Bang Len temple. The village headman then notified the police, who took him to Bang Len Police Station to calm down. This incident occurred around 9 PM on February 21st. Then, around 7 AM on February 22nd, a Myanmar inmate shouted to officers that the older brother had collapsed and was unresponsive. Police then helped carry the older brother into a Bang Len police vehicle and transported him to Bang Len Hospital, where he was sent for autopsy at Nakhon Pathom Hospital.
Police reveal the suspects argued amongst themselves and claimed the CCTV camera was broken.
When the family inquired and requested to see CCTV footage because they were suspicious about the cause of death, they were told by the police that all the CCTV cameras were broken and the footage could not be recovered.
Meanwhile, police explained that after the incident, they interrogated the suspects in the cell. It was learned that the deceased and Mr. Sarawut, the perpetrator, were being held in the same cell. They had a verbal argument before a physical altercation. Mr. Sarawut grabbed the deceased's head and slammed it against the concrete floor until he lost consciousness. Mr. Sarawut then ran to fight with a Myanmar national, who eventually begged for his life. When police arrived, everyone fell silent. Mr. Chakrakrit remained unconscious until morning and was taken to Bang Len Hospital.
The deceased's younger brother stated that he questioned why the police officers guarding the cell did not protect his brother, or neglected their duty. He noted that there was physical abuse and a fight, but the officers failed to investigate, allowing his brother to die. He added that if the police had been more attentive, his brother might have been saved. The family will not cremate the body yet, waiting for the case to be resolved and for his brother to receive justice.