JOHOR BARU: A 24-year-old local man was beaten to death by a group of men at a popular club on Jalan Abdullah Tahir here on Sunday.
Johor police chief Commissioner M. Kumar said 15 men, aged between 20 and 40, were picked up in various locations here in a two-day operation. The case is classified as murder.
Kumar said among those arrested was a man, is his 30s, who was picked up at the Senai Airport on his arrival from Bangkok, Thailand.
"We are recording the suspects' statements to identify those involved in the murder," he said, adding that police had obtained a seven-day remand order.
The victim, whose identity was withheld by police, is believed to have been beaten repeatedly by a group of men while partying at the club, which is popular for its live performances by scantily-clad women and state-of-art sound and lighting.
It is learnt that the club has been under investigation over claims of shady operations, including prostitution and gambling activities, besides being a popular hangout among gangs members.
A source close to the investigations revealed that the suspect who was arrested at the Senai Airport, is believed to be a gambling syndicate member who was extradited from Bangkok.
The man had allegedly fled to Bangkok after the victim was found dead in the club, the source said.
Police are urging witnesses or those with information on the incident to contact the Johor Baru (South) district headquarters at 07-2182323 or Assistant Superintendent Muhammad Afdhal Mat Saupi at 013-7711152.
