CHUKAI: A 15-year-old teenager suffered burns on his neck and body after a group, which included friends, allegedly set him on fire in Perasing Jaya, Jabor, Kemaman, yesterday.
Kemaman police chief Superintendent Hanyan Ramlan said the incident unfolded when the boy returned home to his family asking for help at 3am.
The victim's father was shocked upon seeing the condition of his son, who suffered burns from the neck down to his back.
"Our initial investigations found that the victim had been torched by some of his friends who accused him of stealing RM100," he said.
Hanyan said the victim is believed to have been doused with a liquid believed to be petrol before they set him on fire.
He said police arrested six people aged 18 to 25, including the main suspect to assist in the investigations.
"All their urine samples were negative for drugs."
Hanyan said the police were also on the hunt for several other suspects believed to be involved in the incident.
The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code or attempted murder.
"The victim is now receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan, Pahang." he said.