BUKIT MERTAJAM: Police have detained five of their own personnel to assist in investigations into an extortion case involving a factory worker in Permatang Tinggi here yesterday.
State police chief Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said the five personnel, aged between 24 and 48, were detained at 11.15pm here after police received a report from the 27-year-old man, who allegedly paid RM4,500 to the suspects.
"We will investigate this matter without fear or favour. We will not compromise on any personnel or officers involved in any wrongdoing," he told the New Straits Times today.
In the 10.15pm incident, the factory worker was driving from Permatang Tinggi to Simpang Ampat when he was allegedly stopped by two police mobile patrol vehicles. Three policemen then came over to check his vehicle.
During checks, one of the policemen claimed to have found a plastic bag containing powder, believed to be drugs, inside the man's car.
The man had denied that the item belonged to him, but the policemen insisted otherwise and said he could face harsh punishment.
The man then claimed another police car arrived with two personnel inside, and he was asked to pay RM10,000 to avoid being arrested.
After discussion, the man was asked to pay RM4,500 and the money was later handed over to one of the policemen at a separate location.
After paying the money, the man lodged a report.
Khaw said all five personnel, attached to the Seberang Prai Tengah district police headquarters, had been remanded for four days.
"Investigations are underway. They will be investigated just like any other suspect. We view seriously what the inspector-general of police said recently on wrongdoing in the force. We vow to take stern action," he added.
