The group that attacked the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya held several temple committee members, including its chairperson, as hostages, alleged a spokesperson for the committee.

Elangovan Annamalai told Malaysiakini that some 200 people were involved in the incident. Police, however, estimated the number to be around 50.

"The incident happened at about 2.10am. The intruders entered the temple grounds and hurt the devotees who were spending the night there.

"They claimed that the land (belonged to the developer) and demanded that we leave.

"They held five committee members hostage, including our chairperson (who is only known as) Ramaji. They held a parang to his neck," claimed Elangovan.

The spokesperson alleged that the police only arrived at 4.30am and did not act until another group of devotees tried to chase out the intruders.

"We are disappointed (with the police). They were not fair. We have the video recordings to back our claim," he said.

Elangovan also refuted suggestions that the fracas involved two Indian groups.

He said many of the intruders had dropped their personal possessions during the clash and he could, therefore, prove that the group was made up of other races.

Two individuals were seriously injured during the fracas and 18 vehicles were torched.

Initially, the police claimed that the violence stemmed from a misunderstanding involving two groups. However, the police later identified who the assailants were.

Damage to the temple itself, according to the police, was minimal. The police said they also found weapons at the scene.

The developer in question, One City Development Sdn Bhd, has denied instigating the fight that took place. 

"Allegations that One City orchestrated the incident are malicious lies. One City condemns any acts of violence or any insinuations that would resort to such despicable acts,” the company had said in a statement, adding that it reserved the right to take legal action against those who continued to make such allegations against the company.

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