KUALA LUMPUR: Police have recorded statements from 23 people in relation with a fracas at the office of a Tamil-daily, Tamil Malar in Jalan Ipoh on Sept 5.
City police chief Datuk Amar Singh said the statements had been recorded from various parties including the daily’s staffs, MIC and members of the public.
He urged witnesses and those with information on the case to come forward and assist investigation.
“Both parties or individuals involved are advised not to commit any unlawful actions, objections, and provocations in light of the incident. Leave it to the police to investigate.
“Strict action will be taken against anyone who attempt to disrupt peace and public order,” he said in a statement.
Amar said after reviewing the CCTV recording, police found that the quarrel started when both parties came face-to-face with each other.
The groups, numbering about 30, then started to push and shoved each other before it escalated into a brawl.
Three individuals involved have lodged reports claiming they sustained light injuries in the fracas.
To date, Amar said seven police reports have been lodged in connection with the case; three lodged by the newspaper’s staff, three by MIC and one by a member of the public.
So far no arrest has been made.
The case is being investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting.
It was reported that the quarrel following a report by the daily on MIC Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk M. Saravanan.
Spotted at the daily's office, he, however, denied involvement in the quarrel.
Saravanan, who is also a member of MIC’s Central Working Committee, said his presence there was to settle the quarrel between the two groups.