Remand for 4 extended
SUNGAI PETANI: The relatives of four men detained in connection with the Thaipusam chariot procession fireworks explosion on Thursday caused a stir at the Courts Complex here, harassing journalists covering the remand extension proceedings.
The drama unfolded when the four men, aged between 25 and 34, were brought to the court yesterday morning.
The relatives, who was gathered at the court complex, started hurling provocative and insulting words to deter pressmen from taking pictures of the four.
Fortunately, no untoward incident occurred as the police managed to handle the situation.
Meanwhile, Sungai Petani Courts assistant registrar Balkhis Abdul Halim granted the police a two-day remand extension on the suspects.
Kuala Muda police chief Assis- tant Commissioner Saifi Abdul Hamid said the remand extension was to allow police to wrap up the investigations under Section 324 of the Penal Code and the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensives Weapons Act 1958.
The 8.30pm incident on Thursday occurred when a group of devotees was ushering a chariot, travelling from the Sri Subramaniam Swami Temple towards Jalan Pasar.
The fireworks suddenly exploded, shortly after it was lit, causing panic and chaos in the crowd.
At least 26 people were injured, including a policeman who was on duty at the scene.
Following the explosion, police had picked up four men, but Saifi said initial investigations showed that there was no element of sabotage or mischief in the incident.