KUALA TERENGGANU: The controversial deviationist cult known as the “Sky Kingdom” here was dealt a severe blow when 21 of its followers, including a police inspector and a drummer of a popular rock band, were arrested in a massive raid.
However, sect leader Ariffin Mohamad, 65, better known as Ayah Pin, eluded arrest as he was missing during the raid on the sect’s commune on Saturday evening.
The authorities are investigating if he escaped the dragnet following a leak about the raid from his followers who include civil servants.
Also picked-up was a 33-year-old woman who is believed to be the fourth wife Ayah Pin.
The raid on the sect’s commune in Kampung Batu 13 in Jertih was carried out by 21 religious enforcement personnel and 40 policemen.