GEORGE TOWN – Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) executive director Datuk M. Ramachandran, who was brutally attacked by a group of men outside his house in Taman Alma, Machang Bubok, on July 23, was discharged from the hospital on Friday.
Doctors at Bukit Mertajam Hospital have however asked Ramachandran to return for frequent dressing for the slash wounds sustained during the attack.
Ramachandran, 70, a former unionist and human resources manager at a private firm prior to joining PHEB, was rushed to the Bukit Mertajam Hospital emergency department after the attack.
He was later transferred to the Seberang Jaya Hospital for several surgeries.
Witnesses said that four men who were outside Ramachandran’s house slashed him with parangs and fled the scene.
Police have so far detained three men aged between 45 and 51 in the Seberang Prai area last Sunday.
Criminologist Shamsher Singh Thind said violence is never a solution to any misunderstanding and conflict in public and social life.
He said Ramachandran is an executive at a state-run religious body, and any issues related to religion or temples could have been resolved amicably.
“It is unfortunate that he was brutally attacked by the assailants.
“Whatever the issue is, violence is not the solution and history has taught us that no one has resolved their disputes or misunderstandings by confronting the other person (in a violent manner). Come to the table to resolve the problems.
“Seek a mediator, elders, community leaders, and legal ways, or go to the police to help end any dispute or misunderstanding,” Shamsher said. – The Vibes, August 1, 2021