Two men who beat beggar in viral video nabbed

GEORGE TOWN: Two men were arrested after several videos of a beggar being beaten at a public place went viral on social media.

The incident took place last Wednesday (Oct 6) at 9.55am where two men assaulted the victim with a cane repeatedly in front of a bank in Komtar.

OCPD Asst Comm Soffian Santong said another man, who was spotted recording the incident, was also beaten by the two suspects.

He said investigations found that both suspects often beat beggars and homeless people around the area.

"Acting on a report by the second victim, a team from the CID detained two suspects, aged 27 and 43, who work as cleaning supervisors in Komtar.

"Two canes, believed to be used by the suspects, were also confiscated," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 13).

ACP Soffian said background checks found one of the suspects has a prior criminal record.

He said the victim who made the report suffered injuries to his back, right elbow and left leg and was given treatment at the Penang Hospital.

"A probe was carried out under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.

"We have submitted the investigation papers to the deputy public prosecutor's office and are awaiting further instruction," he said.