SUNGAI PETANI: The suspected triad leader who was gunned down in a gangland style execution here yesterday, had just claimed top position in the underworld gang recently.
This was uncovered after police detained his friend who had accompanied the man and his family to a restaurant in Jalan Kampung Baru, prior to the incident.
Sources said the 34-year-old friend had admitted to also being a member of the triad.
"The man had admitted that he is a member of the underworld gang. He claimed that the victim had just been appointed as the gang leader.
"He categorically denied his involvement in the shooting incident despite being at the location during the incident," said a source, adding that police had obtained a remand order against the man to facilitate further investigations.
Another source said following the revelations made by the detained triad member, police were probing if the assassination of S. Murali, 36, was triggered by dissatisfaction among disgruntled members or a power struggle within the gang.
"There are various possibilities leading to the gang leader's murder, including elements of dissatisfaction or a power struggle within the triad itself, since the victim is said to have just been appointed as the new leader.
"We are also not discounting other possibilities such as turf war or a revenge act among triad gangs," added the source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, Kedah Criminal Investigation Department chief Datuk G. Suresh Kumar confirmed the arrest of Murali's friend.
However, he declined to comment as investigations were underway.
In the 12.30pm incident yesterday, Murali died on the spot when he was shot eight times in the body and face at point blank range next to his multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).
Murali, accompanied by his wife and their child, together with a friend, had just finished buying takeaway food.
He had walked to the vehicle first but was approached by four men on two motorcycles who opened fire before fleeing.
It was reported that his wife and child were still in the restaurant when he was gunned down.
Kedah police chief Commissioner Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad had said Murali was wanted under the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) in connection with gang-related activities and drug trafficking.