Gang Members Allegedly Invade Schools, Assault Students to Force Recruitment
A group of gang members allegedly infiltrated two secondary schools in Kajang, Selangor, disguised in school uniforms, to assault students and forcefully recruit them into their secret society.
During a press conference organized by DAP Selangor Youth (DAPSY) Public Service and Complaints Bureau director Lee Wen Bin and deputy Aw Wai Kit, the victims recounted their harrowing experiences, reported Sin Chew Daily.
Six students, aged 14 to 16, claimed they were brutally beaten for refusing to join a secret society. According to Harian Metro, the gang, identified as 'Gang 24', is notorious for its members being arrested, charged, and jailed for various crimes.
The assaults and harassment allegedly began late last year, with some gang members donning school uniforms to gain access to school grounds. One victim reported that the assailants brandished knives and iron rods to intimidate and threaten him and his friends, vowing to continue the beatings until they agreed to join the gang.
Victims were allegedly taken to isolated areas for beatings, and gang members also harassed a victim at his part-time job, demanding he join them. Last week, three students were ambushed by about 20 gang members and attacked with chairs at a hawker center in Cheras, resulting in one victim sustaining head injuries requiring two stitches.
"We were eating when they suddenly appeared and asked if we wanted to join the secret society. Despite bystanders' attempts to intervene, I was struck on the head with a plastic chair," one victim recounted.
It is believed that some gang members were fellow students, with the mastermind reportedly being a Form 5 student, according to China Press. The motive behind the violent recruitment is unclear, but Lee speculated that the gang might need more members for illegal activities like online gambling.
"We are uncertain about their motive. It could be for online gambling or other criminal activities. They might want to demonstrate their strength. Many of us are unsure," Harian Metro quoted the DAPSY member as saying.
The victims have lodged multiple police reports and provided statements, but no action has been taken. Meanwhile, the schools have reportedly admitted their inability to address the problem, as reported by China Press.
Lee announced plans to file a report with the Gombak Criminal Investigation Department and request increased police patrols or the presence of police officers outside the affected schools.