Policeman among five people nabbed for alleged bribery

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MIRI: A policeman with the rank of lance corporal stationed in Marudi was among five people arrested by the police for allegedly demanding money (bribe) from an alleged rapist so that action would not be taken against him.

The suspects are aged 16, 29, 30, 31 and 44-years-old. Deputy police chief here, Supt Stanley Jonathan Ringgit, when contacted on Thursday said the 30-year-old policeman was the fifth suspect nabbed.

“The police arrested him at the police quarters in Marudi about 7pm Wednesday. Four others were earlier arrested in Marudi town.

“The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property which carries the maximum 10 years’ jail, whipping and fine upon conviction,” said Stanley.

According to a police source, the family (of the rape suspect) had deposited RM13,000 (in three transactions) to two separate bank accounts given after receiving a mysterious call on March 31.

The source added that the ‘mysterious’ caller claimed that he could help to release the complainant’s father who was charged under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape.

The complainant and his aunt were instructed to go to a spot in Taman Tunku around 4.30pm on April 6 to wait for their father. They waited until 10.40pm but still there was no sign of his father or the ‘mysterious’ individual who made the call.

He (complainant) then tried to call the ‘mysterious’ individual but his call was unanswered. Suspecting something fishy he made a police report. Acting on the report, police arrested four men to assist them in the investigation. Also seized from them were a bank book and their handphones. The suspects are being remanded for four days until April 12.