Preah Sihanouk provincial military policeman has been suspended and placed under investigation, while a search is underway to find the weapon used to shoot a man. – seriously injuring him – during clashes in Prey Nop district on January 24.

A committee was established last week to look into the incident following the leaking of video clips on social media that sparked criticism and demands to bring those responsible for the violence to justice.

Commander of the National Military Police Sao Sokha told The Post on Sunday that the investigation was not yet complete, but the committee had suspended one military policeman, who he declined to name.

“The suspension follows images of a person being handcuffed and then kicked to the ground, and we have identified the individual [responsible]. We have suspended him while we continue to review the case because it goes beyond the use of physical violence – someone has been injured with a bullet,” he said.

Sokha said the committee had seized six weapons, which authorities used during the clashes, for examination in order to ascertain which had fired the shot.

He said the investigation had so far only looked at the Military Police. Whether officials from different units would be investigated depended on a decision from the courts.

“We are investigating the [incident], so we gathered all the weapons. The authorities who implemented the Supreme Court order are from three different units – Military Police, military forces, and provincial police. Therefore, as commander of the Military Police, I need to check with my subordinates and with other units, as a complaint has been filed to the court,” he said.

On January 24, during a dispute over the ownership of land in Bit Traing commune’s Koki village in Preah Sihanouk province, one person was shot, while another was hurt but not seriously in the confrontation. Four people were arrested but released the same day.

Provincial governor Yun Min was unavailable for comment on Sunday. However, according to a report he filed on the incident, around 300 joint forces were deployed to implement a Supreme Court ruling.

Min said the shooting was contrary to instructions given during a meeting before action was taken, but he said there was serious tension and the situation was difficult to control.

With a commitment to carry out the Supreme Court’s ruling, some forces fired a few rounds in the air, he said, but there was no intention to shoot anyone, or at least they did not receive an order to do so.

“Regarding the victim who was shot, authorities are trying to identify the perpetrator because it is suspected there was another person among the people [who may have fired a gun],” he said.

Preah Sihanouk provincial court prosecutor Huot Vichet told The Post on Sunday: “I have not heard yet what measures are to be taken and I am waiting for an expert report.”

National Military Police spokesman Eng Hy said on Sunday that when the committee had finished its investigation, he would hold a press conference in order to provide transparency.