Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email NST today specifies that one of the detainees is the one that made the report. It was first highlighted by MK but unverified since the police did not confirm nor did the detainees or their lawyers acknowledged it. NST published the news but without any details on the report lodger. Read the reports from NST, Star and MK below. For earlier articles visit:
http://poobalan.com/blog/indian/2008/01/18/polic-confirm-probe-on-hindraf-funds/
http://poobalan.com/blog/borninmalaysia/2008/01/14/vasantha-makes-police-report-against-uthaya/
Probe into misuse of Hindraf funds
By : Alang Bendahara
KUALA LUMPUR: Several people have allegedly embezzled funds collected by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) for charity and to support the families of the five leaders held under the Internal Security Act.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Ismail Omar said yesterday police had launched an investigation into a police report concerning the alleged embezzlement. He said the report claimed several people had been embezzling the funds, which now stands at RM700,000.
“The report lodged recently stated that several individuals entrusted to receive and manage the funds collected from the public had abused the money for their personal use. “We are now investigating the claims,” Ismail said.
He said the funds were collected during talks, forums, special prayers and also from individuals.”The funds were supposed to be used for charity works and to support the families of the five Hindraf leaders detained on Dec 13.” The police report was lodged at the Kamunting detention centre last week by one of the five Hindraf detainees.
Police probe alleged misuse of Hindraf funds
http://malaysiakini.com/news/77215
AFP | Jan 19, 08 11:39am
The police are investigating supporters of Indian rights group Hindraf for allegedly misusing several hundred thousand ringgit in donation funds, a report said today. The investigation follows the arrest of five Hindraf leaders last month under tough internal security laws after they enraged the government by holding an unprecedented mass rally against ethnic discrimination.
Deputy police chief Ismail Omar said police had received a report that the money, about RM700,000, meant for the families of those arrested, had been misused, according to a report in the Star daily. “The report lodged alleged that several people entrusted with managing the money had allegedly misused the money for personal gain,” Ismail said. “We are investigating the matter and have classified the case as a criminal breach of trust,” he told the paper.
Hindraf coordinator RS Thanenthiran said the report had inflated the amount of funds allegedly misused but declined to name the exact amount. “The police and government are very welcome to investigate Hindraf and what we have done,” he told AFP. “This is yet another attempt by the government to divert people from the real issue of the marginalisation of Indians by trying to discredit us through the use of such investigations.” He said the funds were donated by supporters at the various talks and prayer sessions organised by Hindraf in the last few months.
Probe on Hindraf supporters
By LOURDES CHARLES
KUALA LUMPUR: Several Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) supporters who had been entrusted to receive and manage an estimated RM700,000 are under investigation for allegedly misusing the funds. The money, collected during special prayers, forums and from donations, was meant to finance charity work as well as aid the families of the five Hindraf leaders who have been detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Ismail Omar said police received a report that alleged the funds were being misused. “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 said.
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.
