GOMBAK: Fifteen more suspects linked to the organised crime group known as “Captain Praba” remain at large and are being tracked down by police, even as enforcement efforts under Ops Jack Sparrow continue to intensify, says Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
He said another member of the gang was recently arrested in Thailand thanks to close cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies.
“The suspect, who is in his 30s, arrived in Malaysia at about 10.30pm on Saturday, and will be brought to court for a remand application,” he said.
Three other suspects linked to the gang had earlier been extradited from Mumbai, India.
To date, a total of 17 individuals have been arrested in connection with the gang, including those extradited from India.
“However, about 15 more suspects remain at large and are being actively tracked,” Mohd Khalid said after attending a community policing programme and visiting the Royal Malaysia Police’s thaneer panthal initiative at the Sri Subramaniam Swamy Temple in Batu Caves yesterday.
Earlier, Criminal Investigation Department director Comm Datuk M. Kumar was reported as saying that police are hunting down the remaining members of the Captain Praba gang, including the mastermind who is believed to have fled overseas.
The gang has been linked to turf wars and a series of high-profile crimes, including murder and arson, particularly in Klang and Banting, Selangor.
On Jan 28, three members of the gang were charged in the Sepang Sessions Court after being extradited from Mumbai and were listed on Interpol’s Red Notice.
Touching on public safety, Mohd Khalid said security during the Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves remained under control, with no major incidents reported.
Ops Palu, which began on Jan 30 and runs until Feb 3, involves 1,400 police officers and personnel deployed on a 24-hour basis across four main zones namely Zones A, B, C and D with more than 400 personnel per shift.
Police estimated that between 1.4 million and 1.5 million devotees made their way to Batu Caves this year, and Mohd Khalid praised public cooperation as well as assistance from traffic contingents from Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Perak in ensuring smooth traffic flow.
Meanwhile, police arrested a policewoman, known as Inspector Sheila, following a minor incident near the temple at around 4am yesterday.
Mohd Khalid said the arrest stemmed from an altercation with traders and was carried out to prevent the situation from escalating.
“We have obtained a one-day remand order against the suspect,” he added.
Separately, police are investigating several cases under the Sedition Act involving issues related to race, religion and public sensitivity, including cases involving a former Free Malaysia Today journalist and a Chinese-language newspaper company.
Investigation papers will be submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) after statements from additional witnesses are recorded.
Another investigation involves businessman Albert Tei over alleged defamatory remarks against Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, with papers to be referred to the AGC for further action.
