Kovan double murder suspect Iskandar Rahmat has been interdicted following his arrest for the brutal killing of car workshop owner Tan Boon Sin, 66, and his son, Mr Tan Chee Heong, 42, last Wednesday.

According to civil service regulations on discipline, the step to interdict an officer is taken when he faces serious offences. It is also a key step in the disciplinary process, which includes suspension from duty, as well as the docking of pay.

The Straits Times understands that Iskandar has been suspended without pay.

The police said in a statement on Monday, hours after Iskandar was charged in court for the crime, that the senior staff sergeant was previously removed from his position as an investigation officer in January and assigned to administrative duties as he was facing disciplinary proceedings.

This after he was found to be in 'financial embarrassment'- a term used to describe public servants such as police officers whose unsecured debt is more than three times their monthly pay.

The 34-year-old was also barred from carrying firearms while facing these proceedings as part of police procedure. "As court proceedings against Iskandar are ongoing, we should let the law take its course, and not engage in speculation that could perpetuate misleading information that may cause further distress to the families involved in the case," the statement added.