Zamri Vinoth arrested

Controversial Indian Muslim convert preacher Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu has been arrested by the police over a Facebook posting related to the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple in Kuala Lumpur.

This was confirmed by Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.

The controversial independent preacher has been detained at the Padang Besar police headquarters lockup and will be brought to the Kangar court tomorrow for a remand application.

A police report was lodged against him yesterday at the Dang Wangi police headquarters where the complained accused Zamri of sedition and tarnishing the reputation of the Hindu faith.

“The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has preserved the data on Zamri’s Facebook account. A mobile phone has also been seized,” he said.

The case is being investigated under the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for improper use of network facilities.

The plan to relocate the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple to make way for a mosque had sparked public backlash.

Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd previously said it had acquired the land in 2012 and received permission in 2021 to begin constructing a mosque there.

The relocation has been complete and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim did the groundbreaking ceremony for Masjid Madani today.

Earlier this month, Zamri courted controversy after remarking on Facebook that Hindu worshippers performing the kavadi ritual said “vel vel” while appearing to be possessed or drunk.

His remarks followed a controversy surrounding three Era FM radio hosts who were widely criticised for mocking the kavadi ritual. Zamri became the subject of nearly 900 police reports.