Marry Mariay Susay, 28, filed the suit at the Kuala Lumpur High Court civil registry naming 11 defendants, including the four policemen charged over her husband N Dharmendran's death.
Dharmendran was found dead in his cell while in police custody in the lock-up on May 21, 2013.
He was arrested on May 12, 2013 on suspicion of attempted murder involving firearms and held under remand from the same day until his death.
Marry is claiming damages for alleged negligence, conspiracy, assault and misfeasance in public office.