What we know about the Durian Tunggal shooting and why questions are mounting

SHAH ALAM - National scrutiny has intensified over the Durian Tunggal shooting after families, lawyers and activists disputed the police’s claim of a violent confrontation, raising fears that the three men killed were executed rather than shot in self-defence.

Here’s what we know so far about the Durian Tunggal shooting that has triggered national concern, after families, lawyers and rights groups challenged the police narrative of a deadly confrontation.

On Nov 24, in the oil-palm plantation area of Durian Tunggal, Melaka, three men named Puspanathan Murulitharan, 21, Poonesvaran Tiagrajan, 24 and Logeswaran Georgie, 29, were shot dead by police, who claimed the group ambushed officers, injuring a corporal with machetes.

The men were said to be members of a robbery gang alleged to have carried out dozens of break-ins across several states.

But in the weeks that followed, a growing number of people, including the victims' families, lawyers and civil-rights advocates have challenged the official version of events.

An audio recording purportedly made during the incident, wound-path trajectories from post-mortem reports and allegations from relatives have fuelled claims the three were summarily executed after being subdued, rather than killed in a legitimate shoot-out.

With national attention on the case, the federal police have now taken over the investigation and the government faces mounting pressure to prove the rule of law applies to all, including its enforcement agencies.

What the police say: The official account

According to police, the three men were on their way to commit a robbery when officers attempted to arrest them. During the arrest attempt at around 4.30am, the men allegedly attacked, with one swinging a machete and injuring a policeman’s arm.

Following the alleged attack, officers opened fire in what they described as self-defence. The men, identified as part of the so-called “Durian Tunggal Gang,” were said to be heavily wanted and linked to numerous burglaries and armed break-ins throughout 2024 and 2025, across Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor, with losses estimated at around RM1.35 million.

In the immediate aftermath, Melaka police leadership and the local contingent began the investigation under Section 307 of the Penal Code.

What families, lawyers and advocates claim - “execution-style shooting”

Shortly after the incident, the families of the deceased disputed the police narrative.

At a press conference, lawyers from human-rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) presented a 13 minute 53 second audio recording allegedly captured during the shooting incident.

This recording, they argue, shows the men cooperating with police and does not contain any sounds indicating a violent struggle.

LFL lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan said the contents of the recording demand high-level scrutiny:

“We urge the prime minister to step in, order an urgent meeting with the Home Ministry and consider establishing an RCI. This is not a shootout, it’s an execution. The truth must be uncovered.”

Adding to their concerns, information released by post-mortem consultants reportedly indicates that bullet trajectories were downward, consistent with the victims being on their knees when shot.

One particularly shocking allegation is that a bullet travelled from the nose into the heart.

Families also assert that they have no confidence in the police’s ability to impartially investigate their own officers. They submitted formal complaints and are asking for independent oversight.

Human-rights activists, including those from Suaram, have described the case as a severe breach of state responsibility.

“If the audio is authenticated, it strongly suggests the men were unarmed, restrained and summarily executed,” one executive director said.

What authorities have done so far

In response to the families’ concerns and public outcry, the federal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has formally taken over the case from the Melaka contingent.

On Dec 3, the CID announced the formation of a special investigation team tasked with reviewing all materials, including the audio clip, forensic evidence and family statements and to carry out a transparent, fair and professional inquiry.

Days later, on Dec 6, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail revealed that one next of kin handed over a compact disc (CD) believed to contain the audio conversation between one of the deceased and his wife, a key piece of evidence that could reshape the narrative of the night in question.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail. Bernama FILE PIX

Still, top police and government officials have urged the public not to jump to conclusions.

Federal police CID director Datuk M. Kumar asked people to avoid speculation that could jeopardise the investigation and invited anyone with relevant information to come forward via a hotline.

On the political front, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered that the probe be fully transparent, vowing that “no one should be protected”, whether criminals or police officers, if there are claims of misconduct.

Why the case matters - trust, policing and justice

The Durian Tunggal case is now at the center of a broader national reckoning over police conduct, accountability and the role of oversight institutions.

Critics argue that when force is used, especially lethal force, the public must have confidence in the impartiality and transparency of investigations.

The involvement of Bukit Aman CID, the audio recording, forensic questions and calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) all reflect deep public anxiety about whether due process was honoured.

For many Malaysians, the key concern goes beyond this single incident, it touches on whether the authorities can ensure that law enforcement respects human rights while fighting crime and whether the state is willing to hold its own accountable when needed.