KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 ― A suspect wanted by Malaysian police for multiple counts of car thefts and smuggling was found shot dead in southern Thailand early yesterday (October 16).

The body of Sukri Ismail, 50, of Kampung Laloh, was discovered in a rubber plantation near the Gulf of Thailand.

Details of the case remain scarce, but clear vehicle tyre marks were found at the scene of the crime and Thai authorities believe Sukri was brought to the location, where he was fatally shot, by two or three people.

Police have yet to reveal how many shots were fired.

A district police officer told Malaysia’s National News Agency that the man “had tried to fight them off, in a bid to escape but failed.”

An investigation to determine whether the murder was related to the activities of separatist groups is currently under way.

At least five police reports had been lodged against Sukri for his alleged involvement in multiple car thefts and smuggling. ― Reuters

A suspect wanted by Malaysian police for multiple counts of car thefts and smuggling was found shot dead in southern Thailand early yesterday. ― File pic