IP on ‘bible burning’ case ready — Penang Deputy CPO

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BUKIT MERTAJAM: The investigation paper (IP)on an alleged plot by certain quarters to burn copies of the Malay version of the Bible at Padang Bandaran Bagan Luar, Butterworth, near here last Sunday, is ready and will be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers next week, said Penang deputy police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar.

“Police have recorded statments from several individuals concerning the case including Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) president Datuk Ibrahim Ali and its information chief Roslan Kassim.

“The IP will be submitted to the AG’s Chambers next week,” he told reporters after launching a road safety operation in conjunction with the Chinese New Year at the Juru Toll Plaza here yesterday.

Police had acted on the case following a report lodged by a pastor on the alleged plot.

The pastor had found phamplets calling on people to turn up at the field on Sunday to burn copies of the Malay version of the bible in the mailbox of his church.

In a separate matter, Abdul Rahim said police believed the two fugitives who escaped from police custody while in transit from the lock-up to court on Jan 7 but still haven’t been caught, could have received help from members of their ‘network’ to evade arrest.

He advised relatives or members of the public not to harbour them as it was an offence under the law.

He added that police were still hunting for the duo – Hamzani Harun, 37, and Hisham Abdul Rahman, 39, – and believed they were still in the state.

Out of nine detainees being transported to court that day, seven escaped in the incident but two have since been shot dead by police while the others were re-arrested or surrendered themselves.

On the rape case involving a 11-year-old girl in Balik Pulau near here on Wednesday, Abdul Rahim said police had identified the two suspects involved and expected to make arrests soon. — Bernama