KUALA LUMPUR: The status of the investigation into the murder of Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Nazrin Hassan is still up in the air, with four individuals previously detained by the police already released.
To date, there have been no new arrests, nor have any charges been filed in relation to the case.
The authorities, however, have maintained that the investigation process is ongoing.
Former Bukit Aman forensic laboratory’s crime scene investigation unit chief, Amidon Anan, asked for his views on the case, said investigations can be carried out at any time based on preliminary procedures.
“The agency involved has already processed the crime scene. This includes photographing the location, the victim, and gathering necessary samples,” said Amidon, 67.
Amidon, a 20-year veteran with the police’s forensic department, said investigations can continue based on the evidence gathered from the scene on the day of the incident.
Commenting on claims that the crime scene has already been ‘cleaned’, Amidon said it was not an issue.
“There’s no issue on the crime scene having been cleaned. The forensic team can still press on with their investigation.
“The forensic team can still gather evidence and samples at the crime scene,” he said.
He said what was of paramount importance was the preliminary gathering of evidence.
“Based on my experience, the most solid evidence in any murder case is biological evidence such as blood, saliva and semen.
“The police are very skilled in their investigation techniques. I believe that if they have solid evidence, charges will follow suit,” he said.
Police had previously freed four individuals who had been held under remand over the probe.
Nazrin was initially reported as having died in a fire at his home on June 14. Initial reports had claimed that his mobile phone, which was charging next to him as he was sleeping in his bedroom, had exploded.
On Aug 3, Selangor police Criminal Investigation Department chief, Senior Assistant Commissioner Fadzil Ahmat had said that Nazrin’s death had been reclassified as murder.
This came about after the Fire and Rescue Department’s forensic report said traces of petrol were found at the crime scene. An autopsy report also showed that Nazrin had wounds at the back of his head.
An individual had raised concerns that the fire department had entered Nazrin’s room and cleaned the area after 5pm on the day of the incident.