Three arrested over assault on hawker

The police have arrested three men for allegedly assaulting a hawker during the 13th general election campaign in Jalan Perak here on April 16.

The trio, who are in their 20s and 30s, surrendered at the Jelutong police station four days ago, said Penang deputy police chief SAC Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar.

He refuted Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's claim yesterday that the police did not take any action against several people who allegedly assaulted Teoh Hock Choon, 53, for pulling down a 1Malaysia flag in the compound of his house on April 16.

Teoh was left with about 100 stitches and in a coma for several days.

Abdul Rahim said Lim's statement was baseless, otherwise there would be no arrests in connection with the case.

The investigation papers have been sent to the prosecutors and the suspects were released on police bail, he told reporters after the conferment of ranks ceremony here today.

He said the case was investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code which carries imprisonment up to five years or a fine or both, if convicted.

Lim claimed that although the police had identified the assailants, no action was taken against them.