Many would assume that police officers, who are tasked with upholding the law, would dish out justice on criminals and follow the rules at all time. Unfortunately, bad apples do crop up every now and then.
A man who fell victim to an ‘Ah Long’ syndicate recently made a serious allegation against a police officer, claiming that the latter attempted to bribe him and also mistreated him during the investigation process.
Lodged police report against ‘Ah Long’
Speaking to NST under the condition of anonymity, the man said he filed a report after loan sharks sent several threats to him. He was then contacted by the district police headquarters to have his statement recorded on Oct 1.
“I went to the district headquarters to give my statement. When I arrived at the assistant investigating officer’s (AIO) office, I saw the officer was busy, so I waited outside before being allowed in.
“There were two empty chairs at the officer’s desk, but I remained standing as I was not invited to sit. I eventually sat on the floor after standing for a long time. The officer then asked me to write my statement on the floor.”
The man alleged he remained seated on the floor for the next 30-40 minutes, something which he recounted as “humiliating” as he felt he was being treated like a criminal.
‘Ah Long’ victim claims police officer offered RM500 bribe
Two days later, the man received a call from the investigating officer (IO) who asked for additional documents related to the report he had made, leading him to believe the case had been resolved.
To his dismay, the IO called him again and reportedly asked him to withdraw the report.
“I was offered RM500 by the police officer and pressured to retract the report. I was told that if I refused, the case would be classified as ‘no further action’ (NFA).
I am deeply disappointed. I went to the police station to report a crime, but I ended up becoming a victim to both sides,” he lamented.
Internal investigation launched
Following the allegations, an internal disciplinary investigation has since been made into two personnel which were involved in the case.
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said preliminary checks found elements of misconduct by an officer and a rank-and-file personnel.
“We will ensure the matter is investigated thoroughly. The Selangor police takes public complaints seriously and will act accordingly if any wrongdoing by its members is proven.
“We will continue to listen to grievances from the public and manage them properly,” he said when met by reporters at the Hulu Selangor police headquarters.
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