Four onlookers caught unawares in the Bandar Mahkota Cheras (BMC) scuffle on the night of May 27, are being investigated for attempted murder and rioting, said Kajang police chief ACP Shakaruddin Che Mood.

"We are still probing the incident and we will forward our findings to the deputy public prosecutor as soon as we complete the investigations," added Shakaruddin when contacted today.

According to the police chief, the four can be charged under Section 148 (for riot) and Section 307 (attempted murder) of the Penal Code. No mention was made on when investigations will be completed.

The four are being probed for allegedly attempting to cause injuries to several police personnel near the barricaded toll-free access road in Bandar Mahkota Cheras.

On that day, BMC residents had gathered in numbers to tear down the barriers which were put up by toll company Grand Saga to cut off the alternate route. The police were on standby to disperse the residents.

suhakam mahkota cheras police brutality incident 300508 03 Meanwhile the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) conveyed in a press conference today on the BMC clash that the police must produce evidence from their investigation.

"If they were hit, prove it. Reveal the names and the doctors who have treated them," declared Suhakam commissioner N Siva Subramaniam.

The press conference was held following their visit to the worst harmed of the four, Chang Jiun Haur in Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson yesterday.

Curiosity ‘kills'

On May 27, Chang Jiun Haur, Chan Siew Meng and two others, while trying to leave the scene were reported to have attempted to run over several members of the riot squad guarding the disputed barricade near BMC with their Proton Wira.

cheras mahkota road grand saga barricade fru assault 280508 01 The driver, Chang ( left ) sustained severe injuries after being assaulted by at least 20 riot police personnel that night.

He was admitted into the intensive care unit at Kajang general hospital by the police. Chang was battered with bruises and severely traumatised by the incident.

Chang informed Malaysiakini at the hospital on the night in question that his friends and him had just returned from Port Dickson and ventured to see what was happening at the clash site.

The BMC Open Road Committee chairperson Tan Boon Hwa said the rest of the occupants in car escaped unhurt, however they were arrested and were kept in custody until the following morning.

Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu responded by saying that police action and the use of force was unwarranted and uncalled for.

SPECIAL REPORT: The Grand Saga in Cheras