Two hurt in attack behind Kanowit District Office
The police are now tracking down the suspects involved in the case. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.
Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri
Two men were injured and their vehicles damaged during a riot in the car park behind Kanowit District Office on Tuesday afternoon.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said in a statement the case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of five years or with a fine or both, upon conviction.
“The police are now tracking down the suspects involved in the case. The cause of the incident is still under investigation,” he added.
In a video that went viral on social media, a group of men armed with sticks were seen attacking an unarmed man at the car park.
Meanwhile, the Advocates Association of Sarawak (AAS) said it was perturbed by the incident.
In condemning the incident,
AAS president Gurvir Singh Sandhu said based on the statement issued by police, a riot had ensued after certain individuals were charged in court over an incident.
“What is shocking is the actions taken by certain individuals to break into the surrounding area of the district office and start attacking other individuals in the premises,” he said.
He pointed out that the police have the responsibility to explain why there were insufficient police personnel at the compound despite the crowd having surrounded the said premises much earlier in the morning when the court proceedings were ongoing.
“What is even more disturbing is that the police personnel had left the scene despite seeing huge crowds still surrounding the district office building, leaving the court staff, accused persons and advocate defenceless.
“It is the responsibility of the police to ensure order and safety during such proceedings,” Gurvir stressed.
He said the physical sanctity of the court had been eroded by such actions, and called upon the police to take prompt action and to investigate the individuals responsible for the uncalled incident to be held accountable.
“Let there be no doubt that members of the AAS shall continue to conduct their duty without fear or favour despite the intimidation tactics employed by certain individuals,” he said.