Rights groups and opposition politicians today demanded an independent investigation into the death of a Mongolian model who body was blown up with hand grenades.

The murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, whose lover's political connections stretch to the top of the government, would shake public confidence in law enforcement, said Lim Kit Siang, an opposition lawmaker with DAP.

"An independent investigation is very urgent so that there will be no room for the emergence of a culture of immunity for any wrong," Lim told AFP.

"It does not speak well for the government," he said.

He said the case also raised concerns about the "easy availability" of explosives.

Chandra Muzaffar, president of the rights group JUST World International, said the public would want to know how police got involved in the murder.

"It is not an ordinary cop. It involves a special task force member and that may suggest some sort of abuse of power," he said.

"One hopes that the guilty, whoever they are, are prosecuted and punished for the gruesome murder," he added.

Gruesome killing

The model, 28, was kidnapped outside the home of a well-known analyst with powerful political connections.

She was killed and her remains blown up with hand grenades and found in an isolated area south of the capital Kuala Lumpur. She disappeared on Oct 19.

The 46-year-old analyst was detained Tuesday as part of the police investigation and is being held in custody until Sunday.

Three members of the police force have also been arrested for alleged involvement in the murder.

Mongolia's honourary consul Syed Abdul Rahman Alhabshi said the murdered woman's father had brought a blood sample to Malaysia to help investigators determine if the "bit and pieces of flesh and bones" found at the crime scene belonged to his daughter.

"The police had recovered her watch, ring and earrings at the scene," he said.

"I am confident there will be no cover-up. Those involved in the murder must be punished severely."

The public is worried

The slaying has rocked the political establishment because the analyst, who had been her lover, is connected to a number of senior politicians including deputy premier Najib Abdul Razak, who is also defence minister.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi vowed Thursday there would be no cover-up over the murder.

He said he had told Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan "that he will have to investigate thoroughly and properly and follow the due process".

"Nobody is above the law, that is important to remember," he said. "Whoever is found guilty, action will be taken according to the due process of law."

Lim described the episode as a serious breakdown of law and order.

"This Mongolian case has raised a lot of concern and the easily availability of sensitive and dangerous materials. Something is very wrong in our society."

He called on the government to follow through with a pledge to set up an independent police complaints and misconduct commission.

Police involvement?

S Arutchelvan, coordinator with the rights group Suaram added his voice to calls for a commission despite opposition from the police.

"How can they obtain the explosives so easily?" he said, adding that the case had sparked public concern.

"We demand an independent inquiry. The public is worried ... the way it is done with so much confidence that the perpetrators believe the crime will not be found out," he said.

Hatta Ramli, a member of the powerful central committee of PAS, said an independent body should be established to investigate the murder, and specifically the use of explosives in the attempt to dispose of the body.

"An independent inquiry into the misuse of explosives is urgently needed," he added.