Phnom Penh municipal police said Monday they are investigating but have little information on Sunday’s acid attack against Ngor Srun, a CPP secretary of state at the Council of Ministers.
Municipal police chief Touch Naruth said his department is on the case, but officers have little to go on.
“We don’t have a filed complaint and clarification on what happened from the victim or his family,” he said. “How can we call to [Ngor Srun]? He is a secretary of state.” Police interviewed people in Prampi Makara district’s Monorom commune where the incident took place but were unable to find anyone who witnessed the attack, he added.
However, several staff members at Thmar Da garage on Kampuchea Krom Boulevard said Monday that Ngor Srun, a son-in-law of Senate and CPP President Chea Sim, was sprayed with acid Sunday while he was at their shop.
Ngor Srun arrived at Thmar Da at about 10:45 am accompanied by a bodyguard, said a 19-year-old garage employee who declined to give his name. The politician had been waiting for workers to check the tires on his Lexus SUV when the attack happened, he said.
“I did not see it happen. I did not see who did it,” the male garage employee said. “I just saw the victim run inside the [garage] house and say, ‘Help me! Help me!’ and he poured water on his head.”
Ngor Srun was rushed to Calmette Hospital, where he was treated for acid burns on the left side of his face, ear and chest, according to emergency room staff. Doctors at Calmette said Monday that Ngor Srun’s condition was not serious, and that he was no longer under their care.
According to Council of Ministers Secretary of State Prak Sokhon, Ngor Srun is receiving treatment at a hospital in Bangkok.
He said Ngor Srun is in charge of local affairs for the Council of Ministers, but declined to elaborate.
