SUNGAI PETANI: Police have obtained a four-day remand order on four men detained in connection with a fireworks mishap during a Thaipusam chariot procession here yesterday.
Kuala Muda police chief Assistant Commissioner Saifi Abdul Hamid said the remand order was granted at the magistrate's court here this morning.
The men, aged between 25 and 34, were detained at the scene in Jalan Kuala Ketil here shortly after the 8.30pm incident, which left more than 30 devotees and a policeman injured.
In a statement earlier today, Saifi said police have classified the case under Section 324 of the Penal Code, and the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958.
However, he said based on initial investigation, there is no element of sabotage or mischief in the incident, as the men were celebrating Thaipusam while witnessing the chariot procession.
The 8.30pm incident occurred when a group of devotees was ushering a chariot, traveling from the Sri Subramaniam Swami Temple towards Jalan Pasar.
The fireworks base exploded shortly after it was lit up, causing panic and chaos in the crowd.
More than 26 devotees, including a 5-year-old child, were injured in the blast, with four of the victims still warded at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital. The remaining injured received outpatient treatment.
Also hurt was a 43-year-old policeman who was on duty at the scene.