Arrests of those linked to temple riots above board, say police

SHAH ALAM: The police have defended their actions following the fracas at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

Selangor’s top cop Comm Datuk Mazlan Mansor said all those arrested were believed to have been involved in the incident.

“If they are not involved, they will be released. Not all arrests end up in prosecution as it is up to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP),” he told a press conference at the state police headquarters yesterday.

Temple task force leader S. Ramaji had accused police of wrongly arresting some worshippers during the riots over a dispute of the land occupied by the temple.

“If there are indeed those arrested after they came forward to assist investigations, then give their names and we will check,” he said.

A total of 102 individuals have been detained in connection with the fracas at the temple in USJ25, Comm Mazlan said.

“We also received three police reports involving those on social media who deliberately posted or shared things that might incite racial tension and jeopardise public order.

“Be careful with sharing anything without verifying the information first,” he said.

Bukit Aman CID had released 66 photos of witnesses sought to aid investigations, but only two had come forward so far, Comm Mazlan added.

He also said police had recorded the statement of Selangor Socioeconomic Empowerment, Development and Caring Government committee chairman V. Ganabatirau for intentional insult to provoke breach of peace.