The creator of a Facebook group that threatened to paint the bodies of Hindu women during the Thaipusam festival was arrested on Friday. Thaipusam is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated in Malaysia and hundreds of people go to temples to pay penance for Lord Murugan.
The members of the Facebook group, called Thaipusam Spraying Group, publicly discussed their intentions of spray painting Hindu women if they dress "inappropriately" during the festival. The initial investigations revealed that the public group was created by one "Henry Barnabas" and had more than 140 members.
According to The Star Online, Selangor police said that they were able to nab the 29-year-old man from Seberang Jaya at around 9.20 pm on 27 January. "We have applied to remand the suspect to help with our investigations," said Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Seri Abdul Samah Mat, as reported.
Police have assured the public that there will be complete law and order during the Thaipusam festival. They also promised that strict security will be maintained while people go in procession towards temples such as in Batu Caves and George Town.
Officer Abdul also urged people to come forward if they have any relevant information regarding the group.
