Priest survives after being shot at close range outside his house

GEORGE TOWN: A Hindu priest, who was shot at close range outside his house, said it was a miracle that he survived.

The 50- year- old man, who declined to be named, was watering the plants at 9.30pm on Friday when the gunman struck.

“I was outside my house when a man on a motorcycle suddenly started shooting. I ducked and ran inside the house,” he said yesterday.

All the shots missed him.

“It’s a miracle that I am alive,” he said.

“I do not know who would want to do me harm.

“I’ve not borrowed money from anyone and I live a quiet life,” he added.

OCPD Asst Comm Mior Faridalathrash Wahid said the priest’s wife and three children were inside the house in Jalan Satu, Air Itam, when he rushed inside to call the police.

“He could not identify the gun- man as he was wearing a crash helmet and it was dark at that time,” he said.

“We’ve since picked up a six suspects aged between 14 and 55 for questioning in connection with the shooting.”

Penang deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Roslee Chik said the shooting could be due to matters related to temple funds.

“A disgruntled person could be unhappy with the way the money was being handled and decided to take the law into his hands.

“The victim had made several police reports in 2009 after receiving threats to his family.

“We will reopen those files to see if the cases are linked to the shooting,” said Deputy Comm Roslee, adding that police have not ruled out that the shots could be a warning to the victim.

Police have classified the case as attempted murder under Section 307 of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to 20 years.

I do not know who would want to do me harm. I’ve not borrowed money from anyone and I live a quiet life.

Hindu priest