GEORGE TOWN – Two leaders of the Indian community have called for the release of 29 people detained in September, in relation to a shooting near a school in Banting.
Klang MP Charles Santiago, in a statement today, said the Petaling Jaya magistrates’ court recently ordered the group’s release, but they remain in police custody.
“They were initially arrested over a shooting incident that took place in Banting in September, then investigated for a murder that took place in 2018, and arrested under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca) and Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma). They were also rearrested for a murder that happened in 2016.
“At least two magistrates did not allow remand. On Tuesday, the investigating officer for the Sosma case informed the families that the deputy public prosecutor had minuted no further action against the 29.”
He said the group will possibly be brought to court today to be detained under Poca.
“These people were arrested for numerous criminal offences that they did not commit and for which they were never charged.”
Video footage has surfaced of the detainees huddled together, despite the government’s advice on physical distancing to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“This amounts to an atrocious crime, where police are using their authority to send them from one prison to another, increasing their exposure to possible Covid-19 infection.
“I urge the government to set up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission as opposed to its watered-down version, to ensure that police do not take the law into their own hands.”
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy yesterday urged the force to explain the investigation into the group as Deepavali looms.
“I am made to understand that despite the court order to release them, police are still holding them in custody. I am not sure under which law they were arrested and remanded, but there are suspicions that they might be detained under Sosma.”
He said the family members of those arrested are urging police to free the detainees without further delay.
Ramasamy has instructed lawyers to file a habeas corpus application in court, in a bid to expedite their release.
The 29 suspects were arrested in a police operation earlier this month following the shooting in Banting.
In a statement, Selangor Criminal Investigation Department chief Fadzil Ahmad said Ops Blackjack saw 19 people detained on suspicion of involvement in gang activities and organised crime.
“Further investigations were carried out under Sosma. Subsequently, 10 others were arrested, bringing the total number of suspects to 29.”
He said probe papers were submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers on October 27.
“It is hoped that the charging of these suspects will bring an end to gang activities and organised crime around Banting, Kuala Langat, and the whole of Selangor.”
In the September 25 incident in Banting, a businessman and his bodyguard were shot near a school. Three students were injured when the businessman’s driver crashed into them.
It was reported that police believe the shooting was triggered by a fight between two groups. – The Vibes, November 13, 2020
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