Supporters of a Hindu rights group are being investigated for allegedly misusing several hundred thousand dollars in donation funds, police said.
KUALA LUMPUR: Supporters of a Hindu rights group, which spearheaded mass protests demanding better treatment for ethnic Indians in Malaysia, are being investigated for allegedly misusing several hundred thousand dollars in donation funds, police here said.
The probe by the Malaysian police follows the detention of five leaders of non-governmental Hindu Rights Action Forum (Hindraf), who were taken into custody last month under the controversial Internal Security Act after they organised a massive rally, declared illegal by the government, against the alleged marginalistion of their community.
The money amounting to about 700,000 ringgit ($215,000), which was collected by the group during special prayers, forums and from donations, was meant to finance charity work as well as aid the families of its detained leaders, the Star daily reported on Saturday quoting police.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar said police received a report that alleged the funds were being misused by Hindraf supporters.
"The report lodged alleged that several people entrusted with managing the money had allegedly misused the money for personal gain. We are investigating the matter and have classified the case as criminal breach of trust," he was quoted as saying.
Ismail said police would seek to find who had been entrusted with managing the cash, how much had been collected, how many bank accounts had been opened and what had been done with the money.
"I have directed the commercial crimes investigations department to conduct the investigations and hope to find the truth. We also hope the public will cooperate with us and provide us with information on any irregularities allegedly committed by any member or supporters of Hindraf," he added.
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