Police are tracking down several suspects to facilitate investigations into an incident where a man was flogged with a rubber hose for purportedly insulting a Datuk who was gunned down by his bodyguard last week.
Deputy inspector-general of police Noor Rashid Ibrahim said based on a video recording of the incident being shared on social media, more than one individual was involved.
"There will be arrests because the group deliberately caused hurt to the victim," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
Rashid said investigations would encompass all aspects, including to determine if the incident was gangland related.
Previously, Penang CID chief Zainol Samah said the victim suffered injuries to his right eye, cheeks, nose, back and both hands.
In the video, uploaded on Youtube, it is said the man was whipped 47 times over his Facebook posting. It is believed that the incident took place at a funeral parlour.
Pinned down and whipped
His tormentors could be heard asking the victim if he was acquainted with the Datuk, to which the victim replied in the negative.
The victim was then instructed to kneel and face the coffin while he was assaulted.
"Datuk, I have done wrong," the victim could be heard saying in between sobs, while two men pinned him down.
Last Thursday, three men, including Datuk Ong Teik Kwong, were shot by the latter’s bodyguard who is believed to be suffering from mental illness.
The incident along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway in Penang also left five others injured.
Earlier, Penang police chief Abdul Ghafar Rajab urged the public not to speculate on the shooting, stating it was an isolated incident involving a mentally unstable person.
"So, don't link the shooting to gang activity,” he added.
[WARNING: Video below contains graphic content. Viewer discretion advised.]
