GEORGE TOWN (Bernama): Police have arrested three local men to assist the investigation into a case of a man who was found dead after allegedly being assaulted by his friend in front of a shop in Changkat Minden Height, Gelugor, here on Friday (Sept 24).

       Northeast district police chief ACP Soffian Santong said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 26) that the three men, aged 41 to 57, were nabbed in separate raids in Air Itam, Jelutong and Lebuh Pantai from 5.15pm to 8.30pm on Friday.

       "The trio, believed to be friends of the victim, a 52-year-old local male, was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the murder case, which occurred due to a misunderstanding," he said in a statement.

       He said that two of the three men had criminal and drug records while urine tests showed one of them was positive for drugs, adding that all three have been remanded for five days until Sept 30 over the case, which is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

       In the 2.30pm incident on Friday, the victim was found dead, allegedly from being assaulted by another man, 42, after a fight due to a misunderstanding.

       Police initially received a call about a road accident but upon checking the body, which was found beside a motorcycle, realised the victim had been assaulted based on the bruises on his left forehead and wounds behind his ear.

       The 42-year-old suspect escaped after assaulting the victim. – Bernama