The mother of a 22-year-old man who was allegedly hacked to death in Johor has claimed her son was murdered because he repeatedly refused to join a secret society operating in his neighbourhood.
R. Arun Kumar, from Kulaijaya, was killed on 21 May, with seven suspects later charged with his murder. Despite the arrests, his family says they continue to live in fear, believing other members of the gang are still at large.
Speaking publicly for the first time since her son’s death, K. Devi, 52, said she decided to break her silence only after the suspects had been formally charged. She claimed her son had become a target after rejecting repeated attempts by the group to recruit him.
According to Devi, Arun was the leader of a traditional Urumi Melam music troupe that regularly performed at temples and community events. She believes the gang wanted him to join because they assumed the younger musicians under his leadership would follow.
“He never interfered in other people’s affairs, yet he still became their target,” she said.
Known affectionately as “AK Boy”, Arun was the youngest of four siblings. Although he did not hold a formal job, he earned a living by managing his own Urumi Melam troupe and performing traditional Indian percussion music alongside other young musicians.
Devi said her family has been informed that several individuals believed to be linked to the case have yet to be arrested, leaving them fearful for their safety.
“As long as those responsible remain free, we will never have peace of mind,” she said.
Recalling the day of the tragedy, Devi said Arun had told the family he was heading out to settle payments for members of his troupe and promised to return home early. Instead, relatives contacted the family at around 3am to inform them that he had been killed.
She described Arun as a respectful, quiet and caring son who always put his family first, saying his death had shattered their hopes and dreams.
“Nothing can bring our son back, but we want everyone responsible to face justice,” she said.
Devi also appealed to community leaders, particularly former Pekan Nanas assemblyman Tan Eng Meng, to address what she described as the growing influence of secret societies in the town. She claimed local youths were increasingly being approached to join criminal groups and urged authorities to act before another family suffers a similar tragedy.
Police have arrested 10 suspects in connection with Arun’s murder, with seven already charged. The remaining three are expected to testify as prosecution witnesses during the trial.
