MISCHIEF, CRIMINAL INTIMIDATION CASE IN PUCHONG RESOLVED, 12 INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED - POLICE

SHAH ALAM, March 16 (Bernama) -- The police have considered the arson and criminal threats case reported in the Taman Kinrara residential area, Puchong, last week as solved following the arrest of 12 suspects.

Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said those detained comprised 11 men and a local woman. They are aged between 30 and 40.

“Of the 12 individuals arrested, seven suspects have been identified as having direct links to the incident and remain in remand to assist in investigations. The remaining five, including the woman who is the wife of one of the suspects, have been released on police bail,” he said at a press conference at the Selangor Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) today.

Shazeli said the arrests were made during an integrated operation conducted by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ), the Selangor JSJ and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Serdang District Police Headquarters (IPD) from March 12 until yesterday.

However, police are still tracking down three additional suspects believed to be involved in the case.

During the operation, police seized three vehicles believed to have been used in the incident, comprising an orange Toyota Vios, a white Honda City, and a grey Nissan Almera.

Also seized were two motorcycles, a red and black Honda Wave and a grey Yamaha Y16, as well as 14 mobile phones, a helmet and several items of clothing believed to have been worn by the suspects during the incident.

Checks on their records revealed that five of the seven suspects, currently in custody, have previous criminal records involving various offences. However, urine screening tests conducted on all those arrested returned negative results for drugs.

Shazeli said investigations are being conducted under Section 427, Section 506 and Section 435 of the Penal Code to determine the exact motive behind the incident.

Initial investigations indicate that the incident was likely triggered by dissatisfaction and personal grievances, which led to acts of arson and criminal intimidation.

He added that police have also arrested the individual believed to be the main planner behind the incident.

“So far, our investigations have not found any involvement of secret society elements in the case,” he said.

Shazeli also advised the public not to speculate or spread provocative statements on social media that could disrupt public order while investigations are ongoing.

-- BERNAMA