The families of three men shot dead in Melaka have opened a case, alleging that the killings were “execution-style” and not justified as self defence. M. Puspanathan (21), T. Poovaneswaran (24) and G. Logeswaran (29) were killed during a police operation in a palm plantation near Durian Tunggal, Melaka on 24 November 2025.
They claim the men were cooperative at the time of the shooting. Their lawyers also revealed that the 13-minute audio recording was actually an ongoing phone call made by one of the victims, Logeswaran, to his wife. The call remained connected throughout the incident, capturing officers instructing the men to “sit down” and the victims responding calmly.
Preliminary forensic findings cited by the families raise further questions about the police account. One victim was reportedly shot through nose, with the bullet lodged in the heart and the trajectory of the bullet suggests they were fired from above indicating the men may have been kneeling.
The families’ legal team has urged Bukit Aman to conduct an independent investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code. They have also called for the immediate suspension of all officers involved. The families also appealed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to convene urgent Cabinet meeting and consider establishing an independent or royal commission of inquiry to examine the possibility of police misconduct.
Bukit Aman Takes Over: Federal Probe Underway
Responding to the families’ complaints and growing public concern, Bukit Aman CID, Datuk M Kumar has formed a special team to assume full control of the investigation into the fatal shooting. The CID director affirmed that the investigation will be handled transparently, fairly and professionally in accordance with existing laws. The special team will review all evidence including reports lodged by the families and conduct the ongoing inquest at federal level, replacing the earlier probe handled by the Melaka contingent.
Police Claim the Shooting Was in Self‑Defence
On 24 November 2025, the police informed that three men were shot to dead during the “Op Casa Melaka” conduction who were acting suspiciously in the early morning. According to the police, two of the suspects allegedly attacked officers with a weapon injuring a police corporal in the arm leaving the officers with no choice but to open fire.
Authorities say the men were linked to a know gang, “Durian Tunggal Gang,” which is believed responsile for multiple armed robberies acorss several states with losses estimated at over RM1.3 million. Police seized parangs, gloves, masks and a bag at the scene which they say support the claim that the men posed a serious threat.
Sources: NST, FMT, BERNAMA, SAYS
