Mizzima News

Even three months after the cold blooded multiple murders in Rangoon the culprits have not been brought to justice. Moreover, a suspect died in police custody during interrogation. All those responsible for this custodial death must be brought to justice.

The daylight murder was committed on March 3 this year at No. 126, Green Bank, Kamayut Township where four of a family was killed along with a maid. The crime scene was in well guarded posh colony, almost impossible for a stranger to enter without being noticed. 

Charlie a.k.a. Sao Kyi Pha (60), his wife San San Myint (58), daughters Mya Sandar (36) and Hnin Pwint Aye (27) along with their maid Ma Ei Phau (15) were found shot dead at their residence. 

But the junta's security mechanism only concentrates in closely monitoring the Nobel Peace Laureate Daw Aung Suu Kyi who turned 63 last month and the opposition which express their will and desire in a peaceful manner. This has led to crimes rising.

The rampant drug abuse among artistes and celebrities including high profile business tycoon Maung Weik and Aung Zaw Ye Myint, son of one of the recently retired top generals, proves the point vividly. 

Lack of media freedom in Burma worsens the rising crime rate in Burma. The media in Burma could write about the aforesaid multi-murder case only several weeks after the crime was committed. 

The censor board punished the 'Seven Days' weekly journal by suspending its publishing rights for printing the story of the multiple murder case entitled 'The four departed souls seeking justice'. 

After the Green Bank multiple murder case, the Rangoon West District Police Force arrested and interrogated the suspects. One of them died in police custody during interrogation after eight days. Then the police gagged the bereaved family by paying some money to them. The family had to say everything is okay and could not a lodge complaint against them. 

According to the Police Chief Police Brig. Gen. Khin Yee, more than one handgun was used in the crime and the spent bullets were found with Defense Industry (DI) markings. 

However, when we look at the security forces under military rule, it is not surprising for culprits to be at large in this murder case. Bombers who killed 11 and left 162 injured in serial bombings committed on 7 May 2005 in Rangoon in three separate places are still at large which highlight the junta's mismanagement and incompetence.