Gambling suspect's respiratory failure in 'police beating'

Gambling suspect's respiratory failure in 'police beating'

An autopsy result has indicated that a gambler allegedly beaten by police during a gambling raid in Bangkok on Thursday suffered respiratory failure.

Institute of Forensic Medicine commander Pol Maj Gen Pornchai Suteerakune said yesterday the post-mortem on the body of Don Daengchantip, 34, has initially shown he experienced respiratory system failure.

However, forensic experts have not concluded the actual cause of death as they have to wait about a week for further laboratory results, he said.

The institute's comment came after the father and wife of the dead suspect lodged a complaint against seven Sutthisan police officers for allegedly beating Don to death during a raid on an illegal dice game in Huai Khwang district about 2am on Thursday.

Don was found dead in front of a grocery market in Rungrueang Tonplai community where the raid had taken place.

Pol Col Panumas Boonyalak, acting chief of the Metropolitan Police Division 2, said yesterday the investigation was divided into two parts: the gathering of evidence and the interviews of witnesses; and a team set up to look into the claim against the seven officers.

He also urged the investigation team to expedite the probe results although a time frame was not specified.

Sutthisan police chief Pol Col Termpao Siripoobal said no suspension orders were issued to the seven officers.

He also asked the public to be fair to all sides, adding if forensic results indicate the death was caused by being assaulted, the officers must accept the consequences.

Pol Col Termpao, however, said the suspect weighed about 120 kilogrammes and had a large, well-built body. Several police officers were needed to arrest him.

After Don fell unconscious, police tried to revive him through CPR and called an ambulance. Also, police were still unable to identify a witness who claimed Don was beaten by police at the scene, Pol Col Termpao added.

As for the complaint made by Don's relatives, he said the investigation will be conducted in line with the legal process.

According to an initial investigation, Don managed to run away while all his friends were arrested during the raid on Thursday.

It was initially reported that one witness had told police that Don ran into the grocery market but was quickly nabbed by police. He tried to escape again and was seen punching an officer's face.

This triggered an angry response from the officers who joined the raid, according to the witness. Don was shoved, which caused his head to hit a parked motorcycle, according to the witness account.

The officers allegedly continued to assault him, threw him violently against a galvanised iron fence and stomped on his body to prevent him from fleeing, it was reported.

Rescuers were later called in after Don was unconscious but they failed to save his life. An initial inspection found wounds and scratches on his face and also traces of bruises along his body.

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