Selangor police clarify that a recent temple demolition in Rawang was a land encroachment issue, urging the public to avoid racial or religious interpretations.
KAJANG: Police have urged the public not to misconstrue last Wednesday’s temple demolition in Rawang as a racial or religious conflict. Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar stated the matter is strictly linked to land encroachment and a refusal to vacate privately owned property.
He advised the public not to politicise or inflame racial and religious sentiments. “This issue is actually straightforward,” Shazeli said at a press conference after a community safety walkabout.
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He added that investigations into the incident are ongoing. Shazeli declined to comment in detail to avoid creating any perception against either the landowner or the temple management.
The individuals previously detained in connection with the case have been released. This followed an order by the Shah Alam High Court.
He urged the media and the public to await the outcome of investigations. Shazeli called on all parties to refrain from speculation.
Last Wednesday, police arrested four men to assist in investigations into the alleged encroachment. The arrests followed a report lodged by a local man regarding the demolition of a structure built without proper approval.
An investigation paper has been opened under multiple sections of the Penal Code. The sections include 427 for mischief, 295 for injuring or defiling a place of worship, 504 for intentional insult, and 447 for criminal trespass.
