PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA, November 27, 2018 (Business Insider): A violent riot at a Hindu temple in a suburb of Petaling Jaya left at least 12 people injured and 23 vehicles razed on Monday (Nov 26), local media has reported. According to The Straits Times, around 50 Malay men, allegedly armed with axes and knives, reportedly entered the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple to attack those inside. According to The Star, around 200 Indian men rushed to the temple when several Indian caretakers realized the intrusion and contacted their friends. On Monday, it was reported that least a dozen people were injured in the 2am attack.
Subang Jaya district police said in a Facebook post that the fight between the two groups was sparked by a disagreement over the relocation of the century-old temple. According to ST, One City Development had reached a court settlement in March 2014 with temple representatives to relocate the temple in Subang Jaya to another location approx. 2 miles away. A temple devotee reportedly told ST that the group of armed men charged into the premise on Monday, and told the temple’s caretakers to leave the temple. “They said the land is owned by One City,” temple committee member Yuvaraj Nagaraju was quoted by the Singapore daily as saying. The developer of One City has denied being involved. A report by the New Straits Times said that a total of 21 arrests had been made as of 1.26pm on Tuesday – and all of those arrested are local men.