ASSAULT ON JOURNALIST HARESH DEOL A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY - KL POLICE CHIEF

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- The suspect involved in the assault of sports journalist and National Press Club deputy president Haresh Deol is believed to have targeted the wrong person.

Kuala Lumpur police chief, Datuk Fadil Marsus, said initial investigations suggest the attack stemmed from a personal motive involving alleged harassment of the suspect's wife.

"This incident appears to be personal in nature, and the suspect had actually mistaken the victim's identity," he told reporters at a community wellness programme here today.

Fadil added that checks revealed the 37-year-old unemployed suspect has a previous criminal record. He has been remanded for three days until tomorrow after being arrested in Cheras on Tuesday.

He said a comprehensive investigation is being finalised, with statements from all parties being reviewed. The investigation paper will be submitted to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) shortly for further action.

On Tuesday, Haresh was assaulted by two individuals in Bangsar, with one of them recording the attack on a mobile phone.

Fadil also provided an update on the case involving rapper Wee Meng Chee (Namewee), confirming that the body of the Taiwanese influencer discovered in a hotel on Oct 22 has been claimed by her family.

He said police are still awaiting a decision from the AGC regarding charges, pending several documents, including the autopsy report. 

Yesterday, Namewee was granted a further two-week police bail extension until Dec 10. 

The influencer, 33-year-old Hsieh Yun Hsin, was found dead in a hotel bathroom on Jalan Conlay. Her body was subsequently taken to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for post-mortem examination.

The case, initially classified as a sudden death, is now being investigated as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code. Namewee is believed to have been the last person seen with her. 

-- BERNAMA