Kedah police: Motorcycle theft allegation believed to have led to teen’s torture death

Kedah police claim an 18-year-old youth's murder may have been triggered by allegations of motorcycle theft. Police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah announced the body of the victim was found on October 8, 2023, at 8:05 am in Jalan Harvard, Gurun. Post-mortem examination showed the victim had died due to blunt force trauma to the head.

Adzli said the suspects were allegedly angry after receiving complaints from locals that the victim had stolen a motorcycle. The 18-year-old, identified as Muhammad Haikal Mohd Shahrilnizam, was detained for two days at one suspect's house, where he was tortured and beaten, and his hair cut according to Adzli. The victim's body was discovered inside the house on October 7 night, and it was later found dumped on the roadside.

Police arrested 14 men aged 16 to 24 in operations around Gurun and Guar Chempedak on October 8. Twelve suspects have been remanded for six days, while two underage suspects will be held until tomorrow. The case is under investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code.