Beating up crime suspects will not solve problems - Lee Lam Thye

Lim was responding to an incident involving a 16-year-old teenager who was found brutally beaten to death over an alleged theft at a carwash centre near Lebuh Carnavon in George Town, Penang on Wednesday night.

“The incident can be regarded serious as it involves violence. When an incident takes place and the public punishes the suspect with violence until causing death ... I think this action should be condemned,” said Lee

“If a suspect is punished until to the point of death, those involved will be labeled as criminals,” said Lee when contacted by Astro AWANI here, Thursday.

“We always see this happening, snatchers being arrested or thieves being apprehended by residents in residential areas. You should first investigate the matter and refer the case to the authorities; don’t beat the suspect without prior investigation,” he said.

The victim, Muneeswaran was found with bruises on his body by a passer-by at the carwash where he worked at 7.30pm.

A post-mortem revealed the victim died of severe head injuries due to blunt force trauma.

Initial investigations revealed the victim had allegedly stolen from his employer, which apparently provoked the men into beating him electric cable.