Ex-convicts among nine arrested in Miri grave desecration probe

KUCHING, Oct 28 — Police have arrested nine men believed to be involved in grave desecration activities in the Miri district during a special operation from October 11 to 17.

Sarawak acting police commissioner DCP Saifullizan Ishak said investigations revealed that three of the suspects had prior criminal records.

"Two of the three suspects were also believed to have been recently released from prison after serving sentences for the same offence and are believed to have recruited others to engage in grave desecration activities," he told a press conference at the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) here today.

Saifullizan said further investigations and confessions from the suspects showed the activities had been carried out since Aug 6.

"Following our action and investigations, police have solved 15 reported grave desecration cases in the Miri district. Items seized to assist in the investigation include iron hammers, screwdrivers and various jewellery items such as rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and old coins," he said.

He added that all arrested individuals are aged between 16 and 73, and police are investigating the case under Section 297 of the Penal Code for trespassing on burial places and related offences. — Bernama