Police have confirmed receiving a report on the assault of sports journalist Haresh Deol, who suffered multiple injuries after being attacked in Bangsar earlier today.
Brickfields district police chief Assistant Commissioner Hoo Chang Hook said the report was lodged at 4pm, detailing how two men assaulted Haresh while a third individual was believed to have recorded the incident.
“The suspects have not been identified, and efforts are ongoing to track them down,” he said in a statement.
Haresh, who also serves as deputy president of the National Press Club, sustained injuries to his face, hands, and body after falling while trying to escape the attackers.
The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt, an offence punishable with up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both.
Hoo added that the investigating officer will apply for an Order to Investigate (OTI) from the deputy public prosecutor tomorrow to facilitate further enquiries.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact investigating officer Assistant Superintendent Mohd Adnan Alias at 019-216 2272, the Brickfields police hotline at 03-2297 9222, the Kuala Lumpur contingent hotline at 03-2115 9999, or any nearby police station.
Earlier, Haresh — co-founder of Kuala Lumpur-based news outlet Twentytwo13 — claimed he was attacked by two men in broad daylight in Bangsar, while another person filmed the ordeal.
Speaking at the Brickfields district police headquarters, Haresh said he was unsure whether the assault was connected to his reporting work.
Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) has condemned the attack, calling it a violent act aimed at intimidating a journalist carrying out his professional responsibilities.
