8 hurt in Puchong nightspot explosion (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: Eight people were injured in a hand grenade explosion outside a pub in Puchong early yesterday.
Some two dozen patrons were at the Movida outlet at IOI Boulevard when the blast occurred at about 2.30am, sending them scurrying for safety.
Selangor deputy police chief DCP Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar quashed speculation that the explosion was linked to terrorism, adding that police believe it could be due to a gang turf war.
“Initial investigations revealed that the suspect or suspects tossed the hand grenade at the pub, injuring four men and four women,” he said.
Abdul Rahim said police are scrutinising closed-circuit television camera footage around the area for clues.
The case is being investigated for attempted murder under Section 307 of the Penal Code.
The injured are being treated at Serdang Hospital and Sunway Medical Centre.
One of the victims, a local man, is believed to be in serious condition.
Among those injured was a couple out celebrating their wedding anniversary.
S. Jaiseelan and wife, Bavani, both 32, have been admitted to a private hospital for treatment.
Jaiseelan’s younger brother, S. Kavilan, said his brother had been admitted to the High Dependency Unit of the hospital for serious injuries on the neck and leg, while Bavani, who fractured her wrist, was scheduled for surgery.
“I was with them celebrating their wedding anniversary but left about 30 minutes before the explosion. My brother wanted to surprise his wife with the wedding anniversary celebration and chose this pub because Bavani had been wanting to come here for a long time. Last night was the first time the couple were here,” he told Bernama at the scene.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar when contacted by theSun said police are probing the motive behind the incident.
Sources said a bomb squad from Selangor police headquarters recovered parts of a hand grenade, including the safety pin and a ring.
“There were ball bearing marks on the aluminium chairs at the scene,” the source said.
Meanwhile, a gym instructor identified only as Alex told theSun that he heard a loud explosion as if a mini earthquake happened.
“I heard people screaming and crying. It was a nightmare.
“The place was in chaos as initially, members of the public were reluctant to help the victims for fear of a second explosion,” he said.
The gym is located beside the pub.
About six to eight customers were spotted in front of the bar.
“When the incident happened, the bar was in the midst of closing. Fire and Rescue Department personnel arrived 30 minutes after the explosion,” Alex added.
Movida’s management said later that the outlet, which has been in operation for the past four years, will open for business as usual.