Bersih’s Baharudin died of a heart attack, says doctor
Baharuddin's funeral cortege to the Keramat Muslim cemetery July 10 2011, from TMI file picsKUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 — A heart attack ended the life of Baharudin Ahmad during the Bersih rally last year, a medical expert told the Coroner’s Court today.
Dr Khairul Anuar Zainun, a forensic pathologist at Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), concluded this as the autopsy showed Baharudin’s heart being pale and swollen with three blocked arteries, Bernama Online reported.
The 37-year-old doctor testified that the heart was abnormally heavy at 500g, compared to the normal weight between 250 and 300g.
During the cross examination by deputy public prosecutor Kalmizah Salleh he added that there were damage signs as seen by scars at the front, middle and back of the heart, plus there were no bruises or injuries on his body.
He made the observations based on a post-mortem done on July 9 at 11.30pm.
Earlier that day, Baharudin died while being detained by police following the rally in Kuala Lumpur. He was the only person from 20,000 in attendance to be reported dead in the gathering seeking electoral reforms. Police used tear gas and shot chemical-laced water at protesters.
Dr Khairul estimated time of death between 2.30pm and 5.30pm.
As 16th prosecution witness he said there were no traces of chemical material in the deceased’s eye-balls.
He did concede that three left ribs were fractured, possibly dues to those trying to assist him by giving him cardiopulmonary resuscitation when he was needed medical attention.
Earlier Dr Mohamad Helmee Mohamad Noor, a HKL radiologist, said he was certain 90 per cent Baharuddin had a heart attack based on the CT scan.
He also said there were serious formations of calcium deposits in his main blood vessel.
The 15th prosecution witness said the radiology assessment report was submitted to Dr Khairul Anuar on August 26 last year.
Coroner Zulkpli Abdullah is presiding the inquest set to continue tomorrow.
