SEBERANG PRAI – City councillor P. David Marshel has vehemently denied that he is the mastermind behind a bloody attack on Penang Hindu Endowment Board executive board director Datuk M. Ramachandran that took place in July.
David, who is a DAP member, said he was shocked to learn that a man, named R. Laxmanan, made a statutory declaration (SD) linking him to one of the suspects in the attack.
The SD, he added, has gone viral on social media since last Saturday, threatening the safety of him and his family.
“I don’t know the man who made the SD. But I suspect the SD was made to divert the investigation.
“I believe I was targeted by a certain group of people for political reasons. And, it is done by people in my own political party, not the opposition,” he told a press conference at the Kadun Perai service centre today.
According to the SD certified by the Bukit Mertajam commissioner for oaths, Laxmanan claimed his informant is an individual named “G”, alleged to have been hired by David to attack Ramachandran.
Laxmanan, who hails from Lunas, Kedah, also claimed that he had to flee to ensure his safety from being threatened by David or being persecuted by the police.
David said he lodged two police reports last Saturday and today at the Seberang Prai Tengah police headquarters, denying the allegations.
He added the claims are absurd as Ramachandran has been his neighbour since 2008 and he has no interest in the Hindu organisation.
“I am a Christian; why would I attack him? I have also known Ramachandran since before I entered politics. I hope the police can conduct an immediate investigation and help me clear my name.”
Last July, Ramachandran was attacked by four individuals in front of his residence in Taman Alma, Machang Bubok, here.
The incident that occurred about 7pm caused Ramachandran, 70, to be injured in the neck, thighs, back of the head and body.
It is understood that the incident took place as the victim was getting out of a car to enter his house. – The Vibes, October 12, 2021