The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) says it is probing allegations by accused quintuple murderer Rushane Barnett that he is being assaulted while in police custody.

Commissioner of INDECOM, Hugh Faulkner, instructed the commencement of an investigation into the allegations, stated the entity in a news release Thursday.

“This investigation was in relation to comments purportedly made by Rushane Barnett, to His Lordship the Honourable Mr Justice Leighton Pusey, during the accused man’s first appearance in the Home Circuit Court on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, as published by local media,” the release stated.

READ: Accused quintuple killer Rushane Barnett gets legal aid

INDECOM said its investigators on Wednesday visited the police lock-up where Barnett was preliminarily interviewed in relation to his allegations as reportedly expressed during the court proceedings. The commission said it sought medical intervention for the complainant, and was assured by the custody inspector that steps will be taken to facilitate a doctor’s visit as soon as possible.

“The commission’s investigation continues, which will include a recorded statement from the complainant and a request for the official transcript of the court proceedings to verify the alleged comments,” the release stated.

Barnett is accused of killing his cousin Kimeisha Wright, 31 and her four children Kimanda Smith, 15; Shara-Lee Smith, 10; Rafaella Smith, five; and 23-month-old Kishawn Henry. Allegations are that Barnett slashed the throats and inflicted stab wounds on the victims on the night of June 20 in Coco Piece District, Clarendon.