KUALA LUMPUR - Two school students were among 45 individuals detained over a riot involving more than 60 people who trespassed and damaged an entertainment centre in Cheras last Sunday.
Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the incident is believed to have stemmed from a dispute between business rivals, fuelled by elements of revenge, with the group also suspected of links to a secret society.
"More than 60 individuals were involved and, so far, 45 suspects aged between 14 and 50 have been detained. We believe several masterminds, middlemen and higher-level individuals are still at large,” he said at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters here today.
He said the group rammed a lorry into the premises’ gate at about 12 noon before damaging the front section and lobby using weapons such as baseball bats.
Police also seized the lorry and four other vehicles believed to have been used in the incident.
Fadil said police received a report at about 7.30 pm on the same day and arrested eight individuals aged between 16 and 27 on Monday and yesterday.
"One suspect was remanded for two days until today, while the others were remanded for a day before being released on police bail. The case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief and Section 148 for rioting,” he said.
He added that police detained another 37 individuals aged between 14 and 50 around the capital today, with remand applications being processed.
"Most of the suspects are locals and the involvement of school students is a concern. We will continue operations until all those involved are arrested and charged in court,” he said. - BERNAMA