SHAH ALAM: Hurt feelings and dissatisfaction were believed to have sparked the spate of vandalism and criminal intimidation incidents involving activist S. Chandrasegaran, who is popularly known as “Cikgu Chandra”, say police.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Shazeli Kahar said 12 people, including a married couple, were arrested to assist in investigations into the incidents that occurred on March 9 and 10.
The arrests were made in a joint operation by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Selangor CID and the Serdang district police headquarters CID between March 12 and 15 at several locations including Banting, Subang and Serdang.
“All the suspects detained are aged between 30 and 40, and seven have been identified as having direct links to the incidents under investigation.
“Seven suspects are still being detained to assist in investigations, while five others have been released on police bail,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.
Police also seized three cars and two motorcycles believed to have been used during the incidents, as well as 14 mobile phones, a helmet, and several items of clothing suspected to have been worn during the attacks.
Comm Shazeli said police have also detained the alleged mastermind behind the incidents, while three other suspects whose identities have yet to be established are still being sought.
“A woman who was detained is the wife of one of the suspects involved, and has since been released on police bail,” he said, adding that investigations found no links to secret society elements.
The case is being investigated under Sections 427, 506 and 435 of the Penal Code.
Comm Shazeli also urged the public not to spread speculative or provocative content, particularly on matters involving race, religion and royalty, warning that police will not compromise with any party attempting to incite tension.
Chandrasegaran, 47, has spoken out against gangsterism and land encroachment issues, and recently made headlines after videos surfaced showing three of his vehicles being set ablaze on March 10, a day after an attack at his home in Puchong.
