GEORGE TOWN: The two men injured in a gang-related attack outside a primary school in Farlim, Penang were not the intended targets, say police.
Penang police chief Comm Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng said the two victims, aged 17 and 25, were mistakenly attacked by "Gang 04" members in the 2.45am incident on Aug 29.
Lim said preliminary investigations showed that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding over a debt but did not involve loan sharks.
He said the gang members, who were from two different areas, were helping to collect a debt and were discussing the matter when a fight broke out among themselves.
He said the two victims happened to be passing by and were attacked because they were mistaken for members of the other faction.
"The victims were on their way home after attending a Hungry Ghost Festival celebration and wearing similar clothing to the intended targets.
"The suspects thought they were from the other group and attacked them both," he said.
He said both victims suffered severe injuries but are reported to be in stable condition.
He said police arrested 13 men, including three minors.
Comm Lim said all the suspects are linked to "Gang 04" but come from different areas.
He said police were investigating the case under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting armed with a deadly weapon and Section 326 for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means.
