Cops grill Hindraf leaders for trespassing, illegal assembly at open house

Hindraf supporters gather in front of the Dang Wangi police station to lend moral support. — Pictures by Choo Choy May

By Adib Zalkapli

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 – Accompanied by dozens of supporters, three Hindraf leaders - S. Jayathas, K. Selvam and K. Shanti, wife of the movement's chairman, P. Waythamoorthy - presented themselves at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters to have their statements recorded today.

They are being investigated for illegal assembly and trespassing, under Section 27 of the Police Act and Section 447 of the Penal Code, during the Prime Minister's Hari Raya open house early this month.

Hindraf leaders and supporters had gone to the open house to present Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi with a teddy bear and a greeting card with a message urging the premier to release the five Hindraf leaders currently held under the ISA.

Notices asking the three to assist in the investigation were sent on Friday. They were questioned today by investigating officer ASP Sidney Clyde Jeremiah for more than an hour.

"This is an absurd, ridiculous abuse of police power and a blatant example of a politically motivated police investigation," said lawyer N. Surendran, who is representing the three.

"This is an intimidation, harassment, continuing another chapter in Hindraf's struggle for justice."

Jayathas greets Hindraf supporters after giving his statement at the Dang Wangi police station.

He said that the investigation shows the need to reform the police force. Surendran was also outraged by the questions thrown at the suspects.

"The questions echoed what the government leaders have been saying," he said. "The line of questioning confirms that the police are not independent and only serve their political masters."

According to Surendran, the trio were asked whether it was proper for them to attend the open house and whether they were in the right attire.

"I can confirm that no offence was committed, it was an open house and they were just exercising their democratic rights," he said.

Lawyer Latheefa Koya, who was also present, said her clients invoked Section 112 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code for all 28 questions asked by the police, which allows them to remain silent under questioning.

She added that none of the questions suggested any criminal act by her clients.