Sources: Father Who Was Shot Dead In Front Of His Family Recently Became Triad Top Leader
The police have detained the friend who was with the victim during the shooting at Sungai Petani, Kedah.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 27 May 2022, 03:35 PM
A member of a triad organisation who was shot dead in front of his family on Wednesday, 25 May, was said to have recently claimed a top position in the gang
Citing sources, New Straits Times reported that the friend who accompanied victim S Murali and his family was detained after the shooting.
The 34-year-old friend admitted that he is also a member of the triad.
"He claimed that the victim had just been appointed as the gang leader," said a source.
"He categorically denied his involvement in the shooting incident despite being at the location during the incident."
After learning from the 34-year-old detainee, another source said that the police are currently investigating the assassination to see if it was triggered by dissatisfaction among disgruntled members
"There are various possibilities leading to the gang leader's murder, including elements of dissatisfaction or a power struggle within the triad itself, since the victim is said to have just been appointed as the new leader," New Straits Times quoted the source as saying on the condition of anonymity.
"We are also not discounting other possibilities such as turf war or a revenge act among triad gangs."
Meanwhile, Kedah Criminal Investigation Department chief Datuk G Suresh Kumar confirmed the arrest of Murali's friend.
He, however, declined to reveal anything at the current juncture as investigations are underway.
At 12.30pm on Wednesday, 36-year-old Murali was with his son and wife at a shoplot area on Jalan Kampung Baru in Sungai Petani, Kedah
They were joined by the friend who has been detained.
It is learnt that Murali was a regular customer at a restaurant nearby and they were there to pack lunch.
But the trip turned deadly when four men on two motorcycles approached his Toyota Vellfire parked across the restaurant and fired live rounds at him.
He was shot at least eight times in the body and head. His son and wife could only watch and scream during the incident as they were still within the compound of the restaurant, as it was reported.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Murali was wanted under the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) in connection with gang-related activities and drug trafficking.
