IGP: 17 detained over commotion at temple
SHAH ALAM: Seventeen men, all locals, have been detained by police so far to assist investigations into the commotion at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ 25, Putra Heights near here early yesterday.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said police had also identified all the individuals involved including the mastermind but investigations were still ongoing.
“Police also seized weapons that were used in the incident including two machetes, two wooden sticks and two rubber hoses. We have received 29 reports so far in connection with the incident.
“All aspects are being investigated transparently and we will take stern action against the culprits,” he told a press conference at the Selangor police headquarters here last night.
Mohamad Fuzi explained that of the 17, six suffered injuries.
He added that a lance corporal from the Subang Jaya police headquarters was also injured when trying to bring order.
The IGP said the incident did not involve any racial sentiment but was instead due to a disagreement between two factions over the relocation of the temple to another site three kilometres away.
Mohamad Fuzi also urged all quarters to stop all speculations and refrain from issuing irresponsible comments that could further aggravate the situation.
On claims that the police intentionally arrived late at the scene, he denied them altogether, saying that police personnel arrived at the scene 10 minutes after being informed.
“We received a call at 2.40am and we arrived at the scene at 2.50am, and even the (Subang Jaya) District Police chief himself came within 30 minutes after receiving information on the commotion.
“( The allegations) are totally inaccurate, we have records, we have diary records and sequence of events. Please do not make unfounded speculation, they (those who make the claims) do not know the real situation,” he sternly added.
Meanwhile, the police are currently conducting 24-hour patrols and have urged the 2,000odd people still gathering around the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ 25, Putra Heights last night to disperse and not create any provocations.
Mohamad Fuzi said initial information obtained by police showed there were certain quarters trying to cause tension.
“I insist once again to those who have gathered there not to worsen the situation as the case is still being investigated by the police.
“In addition, we have also got information that they intend to gather at the Subang Jaya District police headquarters to cause a provocation. Stern action will be taken against those involved,” he said.
Mohamad Fuzi, who had just returned from Dubai yesterday afternoon after attending Interpol’s 87th General Assembly, rushed to the Selangor police headquarters for the press conference over the latest developments on the case.
Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, meanwhile, has urged the public not to take any action, including issuing statements that could stir racial sentiments to the detriment of public order.
Commenting on the incident, Muhyiddin said this would help the police control the situation and conduct investigations in accordance with the provisions of the law.
“I take this incident very seriously and will not tolerate any party trying to disturb the harmony and peace of the nation.
“I was informed that the police had arrested several suspects and investigations are being carried out under the Penal Code,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He said the police had been asked to control the situation and to investigate the incident in detail and those found to be violating the law would be brought to justice. — Bernama