Hundreds of ethnic Indians gathered in pouring rain to join in the funeral procession of 22-year-old A. Kugan, who died eight days ago. The protestors chanted "We want justice" alleging that the youngster's death was a case of custodial killing.

Before the marchers set-off for the last rites of Kugan, police detained three youths for wearing T-shirts bearing the name and symbol of Hindraf, the banned Hindu rights group. Two others were arrested later when part of the marchers got into scuffle with the police, the state news agency Bernama reported.

The funeral procession which was joined by members of Parliament of Indian origin and leading members of the community was held under close security scrutiny, with police helicopters hovering overhead and armed personnel lining up the route.

Indian community leaders present in the procession said Kugan was not the first case of custody death involving Indians and said over the past few years there had been 80 or more such cases.

Kugan died on January 20 in a police station where he was being held on suspicion of stealing cars, in a case that has focused attention on Malaysia's police force and its emerging image of being corrupt and high-handed.

His family found bruises on his body after he was handed over by the police, which they said was apparent sign of torture.

Ethnic Indian community who form eight per cent of the Malaysia's 27-million population are already agitated over the continued detention of five leaders of the Hindraf group, without trial.

Post-mortem reports are expected later this week and authorities have assured the family to prosecute the policemen involved in any assault. The attorney-general has said the case has been classified as murder.

 Meanwhile, the accused policemen have been sent to desk duties pending an inquiry.