KOTA KINABALU: Police have detained seven men to assist in investigations into a viral social media video incident where a man was assaulted by a group of individuals in front of a business premises at KK Taipan in Inanam last Friday (Oct 9).
Kota Kinabalu OCPD Asst Comm Shahrudin Mat Husain said one suspect was arrested on Sunday (Oct 12) while the remaining six were apprehended in a follow-up operation carried out Monday (Oct 14).
He said the suspects, aged between 18 and their 30s, were detained to assist in the investigations and the motive was still under investigation.
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He added that the case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting with a weapon and Section 324 for voluntarily causing hurt by using dangerous weapons.
The incident went viral on social media through a 23-second video showing the victim being punched and kicked by a group of men, including being attacked with a motorcycle helmet.
In the incident, the 23-year-old victim suffered a fractured nose, bruises and cuts on several parts of his body. He received treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I (HQE I). The victim is reported to be in stable condition.
The victim’s mother lodged a police report at 5.45 PM on Oct 11, after which investigations and operations to locate the suspects were launched.
Shahrudin, meanwhile, said the police are committed to taking firm action against anyone involved in criminal acts and reminded the public not to take matters into their own hands or act outside the bounds of the law.
