Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email I continue with Banting Murders from yesterday. Today I learnt that one of the suspects’ wife may be from same university as me. Can’t verify it yet. Some of my uni mates are from Banting, so its possible.
Thinking about the suspects families, if its proven that they are the murderers, imagine the impact on the family. Both the brothers are married with kids. The damage to family name, wife, children. These guys never think about this. The kids will be traumatised. Maybe the family will be ostracized. Biasalah, when have money, everyone will come to you. When you in trouble, everyone will disappear or even condemn you.
You can view some photos of the investigation at the river from Vinn’s Flicker below
while there’s also a video from Youtube.
The police denied that cases of dead lawyers are being reopened, instead, they are just reviewing some earlier cases. This was in response to a newspaper article that said Penang police will be looking at cases involving such deaths:
State police chief Datuk Ayub Yaakob said a report in an English daily yesterday that the suspects were involved in the killings of five lawyers here were “totally baseless”.
Expressing his unhappiness with the report, he also said no special task force would be formed to look into the unresolved murders in the state.
“I did not mention reopening. I just said reviewing.
“Every state has a committee which reviews all unsolved cases from time to time, especially murder cases.
“It is a standard operating procedure. It is our normal practice,” said Ayub.
I mentioned that newspapers saying few other missing persons may be linked to the suspects, but today’s NST reported that 17, yes, 17 murders may be linked to the suspects! This would be a record in Malaysia. I can’t ever remember 17 murders committed by one group or person. And current news from The Star says the Datuk lawyer is the mastermind who ordered the murders.
The main suspects in the murders of Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others could be linked to at least 17 killings over the past years.This shocking revelation came about after police combed through earlier reports linking murders and missing persons to the suspects, who are two lawyer brothers.
The New Straits Times learnt that the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers have already met several times as the investigations into the suspectswidened.
It is, however, learnt that the investigations are being hampered as the bodies of the victims cannot be traced.
Police are now working overtime searching riverbeds and streams in and around Banting in the hope of retrieving skeletal remains or personal effects of the victims.
To date, after investigations into the quadruple murder began, police have retrieved human bones, a watch and two knives. The bones will be subjected to DNA tests to ascertain the identities.
Police, however, are camped here, conducting investigations at the suspect’s poultry farm in Sungai Gadung, near Tanjung Sepat, and in the waterways.
Yesterday, police also seized several computer hard drives and documents from the suspect’s law firm here.
Later in the evening, a team of policemen took one of the suspects to the Angsana flats in USJ 1, Subang Jaya, where they found an object in some bushes.
The policemen seemed excited and were seen giving each other high fives before taking the suspect away.
It was at the car park of Angsana flat that Sosilawati’s BMW X5 was found on Sept 6.
One of the possible victim include Balasundram’s wife as reported here:
The lawyer at the centre of a murder investigation is also being probed over the killing of a relative.P. Balasandram, who operates a workshop in Banting, told the New Straits Times yesterday that he was slashed in December 2008.
Four months later, his wife, T. Selvi, 44, was murdered by two unknown assailants in front of their home in Taman Cempaka here, in the same area where the lawyer also lived.
Balasandram, 54, suspects that the attacks were due to his dealings with the lawyer.
Balasandram said the lawyer was a relative and had suggested that he go into the money-lending business under the guise of friendly loans.
“The lawyer drafted three agreements for me.”
The first agreement was for RM34,850, second RM48,800 and the final one RM80,000. All the agreements were signed in 2006.
Balasandram said the first borrower settled the loan while the other two defaulted.
“When I approached them, they told me to deal with the lawyer. I went to see him and he told me that he could not do anything and that the borrowers could not pay me back.
That’s why the police are intensively search the farm and river beds. If they find more evidence of other victims, this is going to be THE topic for 2010.
“He also challenged me to do anything I wanted.”
He said the third borrower, a woman, was with the lawyer when he met them and both had threatened him.
“I saw them in his office in January 2008. He threatened to kill me if I pursued the matter and that he had gangsters with him. The woman also challenged me to lodge a police report.”
Balasandram filed a civil suit against the two borrowers and the lawyer two years ago.
He said this might have angered the lawyer, who sent a letter threatening to sue him for defamation.
Balasandram said the borrowers lodged a police report against him in Telok Panglima Garang and Sepang, saying he had threatened them.
“I was arrested and spent eight days in two lock-ups. They released me after that without any charges.”
In December that year, he was attacked in his workshop. Despite having his nose chopped off and slash wounds on his head and body, he survived.
“I was in hospital for almost a month and spent another three months at home recovering from my injuries.”
He claimed that weeks before his wife was murdered, he received an anonymous phone call demanding he withdraw the case.
The caller allegedly threatened to harm his family if he did not comply.
“I refused to do so and my wife was killed. She was returning home from the gym when two men on a motorcycle slashed her to death outside our house.
“I received another phone call after her murder. This time the caller warned that they would finish my family off.
“I have three children and I feared for their lives. I withdrew the case.”
He claimed the police were unresponsive when he wanted to give them all this information.
“They just asked me who the killers were. I was not able to identify anyone as I was scared.”
It was learnt that Selvi’s murder was one of the four cases that police had said they were looking into after implicating the lawyer and his brother in the murders of Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others.
The other victims are an Indian businessman, Allal Kanthan Muthu Raja, 34; a local businessman and his driver.
The police are also investigating the shooting case of two other persons which may be related to this group. Read the report here (in Malay).
That’s why the police are search the farm and river extensively, hoping to find more evidence that may possibly link the suspects to other cases.
According to a post (UNVERIFIED) in LowYatNet, the breakthrough came when the wife of the missing Indian businessman came down from Chennai to make another police report on September 8, implicating the farm. When police raided the farm, found the burning area.
This topic is not hotly discussed in cyberspace – be it blogs, forums, FB and twitter. Many already decided the suspects are the culprits and hope for a terrible punishment.
The two lawyers in the centre of investigations into the murder of Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya have been tried and convicted in cyberspace.
Many have turned to social networking site Facebook and micro-blogging site Twitter to express their shock and outrage and some have already “convicted” the lawyers.
Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, however, has issued a clear message to all that the maxim “innocent until proven guilty” is to be upheld. “Let the law take its course,” he said.
Bar Council also gave their opinion:
Bar Council president Ragunath Kesavan said it was unfortunate that the case had been sensationalised but it could not be avoided as it involved a prominent figure in a gruesome murder.
“However in Malaysia there is no trial by jury and I do not think that being ‘tried’ in cyberspace would influence a verdict.
“A public outcry could not be avoided as information was accessible and this phenomenon does not happen here only. The public have merely interpreted revelations by the police on the news.
“Whether there is culpability or the murders were premeditated, we do not know as there are still many undisclosed details.
“These are the tribulations of having blogs whereby people are free to make judgments as they wish however uninformed they may be.”
Ragunath said, however, the police would have gotten the flak if they had suppressed information from the public.
When asked if the suspects could take action on those who have “convicted” them, he said this would depend on the outcome of the trial.
“If the suspects are acquitted of the charges, they can indeed sue for defamation,” he said.
There also groups bent on making this a racial/religious issue, though most Malaysians are smart enough to realise that this a heinous crime of greed. The home minister and police both issued warning not to twist the murder case:
The home minister and police have categorically rejected speculation that the killing of cosmetics queen Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and her three associates were racially motivated.In a strongly-worded statement, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said yesterday the killings were a “gruesome and cowardly” crime to be classified simply as murder.
Ismail urged the public not to speculate on the crime based on rumours as it could cause unrest in society.
In a separate statement, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the killings were a violent and despicable crime which transcended race and religion.
“Every racial and religious community in this nation condemn in one voice the tragic events that have transpired.”
He said he had already instructed Ismail to work closely with the Attorney-General’s Chambers to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He added that a swift resolution of the case would help ease any tension or negative perceptions among the different races raised as a result of the killings.
“The murderers must be brought before the law and punished with the harshest penalties, equal to the severity of their crime.”
NST also provided details about the police’ SOP on investigation of a crime:
An investigation team is deployed to the scene of the crime and the area is cordoned off. They will need to ascertain the type of crime that took place, such as suicide, murder and natural disaster.– Forensics are called in to look for evidence of signs and nature, such as blood, hair, fingernails and fingerprints. They would then determine the cause of injury on the body/bodies. It is important for the police to find out what kind of weapon was used and/or whether it was blunt or sharp.
– Once the forensics are done, the body is sent to the hospital for a post-mortem.
– Upon the discretion of the lead investigation officer, the police will go an extra mile by cordoning off the circumference of the crime scene by a few kilometres radius to look for any other leads.
– Once the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is satisfied, they will declare the crime scene clear and not a police area any more.
– The pathologist will send a report to the CID team once the the post-mortem is done on the cause of death as well as blood toxicology and content of stomach reports.
– WIth all the evidence gathered from the crime scene and the pathologist, the CID will narrow down on the possible suspect/suspects.
– Once the suspect/suspects are caught, they will be remanded to assist in the investigations. Police would also speak to witnesses and record statements/accounts of the incident.
– Upon completing oral and documentary evidence, police would submit the investigation paper (IP) to the state’s head of prosecution unit.
– In the event the prosecution feels there is a need for more investigation, the IP is sent back to the CID team. If they are satisfied with the IP, the prosecution can proceed to charge the suspect.
Meanwhile, the police are investigating the finances of the suspect, including money trail via bank accounts. The Star reports that their bank accounts have been frozen.
Millions of ringgit in the local bank accounts of two lawyer brothers detained in the murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya have been frozen.According to a source, the main suspect – the elder brother – has allegedly RM7.2mil in one bank account alone.
It is believed that the police are currently tracing the financial transactions against the deposits and withdrawals of cash from the various bank accounts.
“There are numerous movements of cash by both locals and foreigners, and originating from countries like India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia and the Philippines,” said the source.
He added that the financial transactions recorded could correspond with the dealings of the businessmen who had been reported missing.
“This will help us craft out a pattern of fraudulent dealings,” he said.
Malay Mail wrote about the amount of wealth accumulated by the suspects, said to be about RM100 million at least:
The Datuk lawyer in the centre of the hideous quadruple slaughters in Banting has a personal wealth of more than RM100 million, it emerged today.
His younger brother who is also a suspect in the kill and burn atrocity could have amassed up to RM20 million, sources said.
The estimated fortunes of the brothers were based on their bank accounts that the authorities know of and the properties they owned.
The police’s anti-money laundering division have got an order from the Attorney-General’s Chambers to freeze the assets, including bank accounts, of the two lawyers.
Millions are reportedly in single accounts, said the source. Checks are underway to ascertain if they had parked money in offshore banks.
While it is known that they own several parcels of land in and around Banting, including the 1.6ha farm where the killings are thought to have occurred, the authorities believe there are more.
The brothers own several shophouses and a medical clinic in Banting besides lavish homes, notably their mansion where both of them live. They also have a fleet of high-end luxury cars.
The gained their wealth allegedly through money-laundering, obtaining properties illegally and land scams.
It is believed the brothers secured dozens of land grants as collateral in illegal money-lending deals. Caveats on properties were also their way of extorting money, said a source.
The source said the lawyers often asked for jewellery as security when giving loans.
Police yesterday seized files from his law firm in Banting town believed to contain vital information on dubious land deals and money-lending activities.
The seized files are also thought to contain land grants that have now put the owners in a fix as these documents would be crucial in investigations and perhaps later as court exhibits.
Financial institutions have extended full co-operation in the declaration of transactions undertaken by the brothers.
Investigations into their financial transactions could be time-consuming as it is believed there were numerous movements of money in and out of the country.
The lawyer brothers’ known wealth
? THE 1.6ha poultry farm and land.
? Properties worth millions of ringgit.
? Semi-detached house in Banting.
? Bungalow house in Puchong where the Datuk lawyer’s wife and two sons live.
? Shophouse where their law firm is located in Banting town.
? Medical clinic run by their youngest sister.
? Nine high-end cars including seven Mercedes Benz.Police are investigating how the brothers amassed such wealth and are looking at alleged involvement in money-laundering, obtaining properties illegally and land scams.
The police’s anti-money laundering division has applied to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for an order to freeze the assets, including bank accounts, of the two lawyers.
Investigations on the purchase of the farm land are underway and police are trying to contact the former owner.
The suspect’s house as revealed by Malay Mail:
http://mmail.com.my/content/49380-datuk-sosilawati-lawiya-murder-suspects-home
DNA experts say that if the remains are not totally charred, DNA samples can be extracted to match with the relatives’ DNA samples.
DNA analysis can be carried out on the bone fragments found at the Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya murder site if they are not completely charred.Penang Hospital Forensic Department head Datuk Dr Bhupinder Singh said DNA can be harvested from the bone fragments if the inner core is not completely burnt.
“The DNA is always there and can be taken from the fragments,” said Dr Bhupinder.
He added that from the pictures he had seen of the bone fragments in the media, he believed DNA could be harvested from them.
The remains of Sosilawati and her three companions are believed to have been burnt with dry cowdung and petrol before being dumped into a river.
However, some bone fragments were retrieved from the site.
Dr Bhupinder also said DNA can be obtained from the teeth, if any had been retrieved.
However, he added that teeth could also be completely charred or burnt at a very high temperature.
BTW, the clients of the law firm are alarmed, and some turned up at the office to get back important documents:
Earlier, more than 60 people were seen waiting at the law firm, claiming to be the suspect’s clients and demanding that the clerks give back their land grants.
However, police told them that it was not possible as investigations into the murder case was ongoing.
Before I end, read excerpts from this article by Frankie De Cruz, from Malay Mail , who have met one of the suspect before this:
THE lawyer brothers, the main suspects in the macabre Banting quadruple killings, have been described by fellow legal minds as “audacious and salacious characters” in the practice.
The lawyers claimed the brothers, one a Datuk, were involved in rampant and organised fraud.
They further alleged that the Datuk, 41, and his younger brother, 38, had the services of certain foreign workers as “muscle” when negotiating a deal.
“They hardly had friends in the legal fraternity but seemed to enjoy the patronage of certain people with their so-called generosity,” said a lawyer who requested anonymity.
He said some foreign workers were indebted to the brothers for assisting them to settle problems related to salaries and exploitation with their employers. These foreign workers then end up at the mercy of the brothers and those who reject instructions from them suffer dire consequences, he said.
A mutual lawyer friend introduced me to this Datuk a few months ago and the first thing that came across was his creepy outlook to problems.
No problems could beset him, he suggested.
“I have people everywhere who could make problems go away,” he told us, making me wonder why anyone would make such remarks to a person he had just met – and a journalist at that.
I wondered if he was really a Datuk. I left it at that because I have met many people who claim to be titled, including a fellow Paulian from Seremban who swears he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth and carries a business card bearing Sir Lawrence…
Now, I wonder again on what basis this Datuk, a law graduate of the Bond University in Australia, was conferred the Datukship last year.
Questions linger if his suspension from practice for one year in 2007 for alleged involvement in land scams was overlooked in the conferment of the title.
The authorities, I am told, will recommend that the Datukship be revoked and investigate whether the lawyer provided false information to obtain the title.
The person or body that recommended him in spite of his suspension from practice last year should also be asked to explain.
Police are now looking into other crimes allegedly involving the brothers including money laundering, obtaining properties illegally and land scams.
Police reports have been lodged against the brothers who acted as brokers in dubious land deals.
The younger brother faced three counts of criminal breach of trust involving a land transfer deal between 2002 and 2004 in the Klang Sessions Court last month.
