KAJANG, MALAYSIA - Teoh Beng Hock's body was exhumed yesterday and will undergo the second autopsy today.

His body, said to be in good condition, was sent to the Sungai Buloh Hospital where it was subjected to X-ray and CT scan.

The exhumation at the Nirvana Memorial Garden in Semenyih began at 10.40am after family members conducted prayers which started at 9am.

Teoh's grave was cordoned off using a high white canvas, obscuring the view of some 40 pressmen and onlookers.

His body was identified by his siblings Teoh Lee Lan and Teoh Beng Kee.

The casket was then wrapped up in plastic sheets before it was placed in a hearse and sent to the Sungai Buloh Hospital, where Teoh's parents were waiting.

It is learnt that Soh Cher Wei, who went through a marriage ceremony with Teoh after his death, stayed home as she is six months' pregnant with his child.

The exhumation was observed by Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand and Sungai Buloh Hospital chief pathologist Dr Shahidan Md Noor.

Teoh's body was exhumed on the orders of the coroner after his family requested for the second autopsy to be conducted.

The request came soon after Dr Pornthip testified at his death inquest that the likely cause of death was homicide and not suicide.

She had testified that there was an 80% probability that Beng Hock was tortured and strangled.

Teoh was found dead on the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam, here on July 16 after being questioned by the Selangor branch of the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission.

The commission's Selangor office is on the 14th floor of the same building.

Lee Lan earlier told newsmen that her heart felt heavy about the exhumation but her family hoped the second post-mortem would reveal her brother's cause of death.

"We are prepared to find out the truth," she said.

Gobind Singh Deo, counsel for Teoh's family, said: "As far as I can tell, the body looked like it was in good condition. But I am a lawyer, not a doctor, so we'll see what the experts say."

He said that there were six pathologists present including Dr Pornthip.

"Dr Pornthip was here to observe the exhumation. We don't want any complaints later," said Gobind.

He said the post-mortem would be conducted at 9.30am today.

"I was told they hope to get it done by early afternoon," he said.

Gobind added that he did not see anyone from the commission, saying they "should have sent a representative".

Also present were Teoh's boss Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang and Selangor state executive councillor Ronnie Liu.

The Star/Asia News Network