KEDAH (THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A 17-year-old male died at a rehabilitation centre in Pokok Sena, Kedah, following a fight over fried chicken with a group of inmates on Nov 18.

The victim, Mohamad Shukri Kassim, from Langkawi, was found dead by the warden after he did not show up for morning prayers the next day. It is believed that the victim had been dead for at least three hours before his body was discovered.

Kota Setar OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Rozi Jidin said police were notified of the death at 5.30am on Saturday and had sent the victim's body to Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah for an autopsy. Early investigation found that the victim had fought with a group of inmates over fried chicken the previous night.

"Police had thought that it was a case of sudden death but post-mortem results revealed injuries believed to be caused by punches," ACP Mohd Rozi said.

Ten inmates between the ages of 14 and 18 have been detained and are under remand for a week to assist in investigations. The victim entered the rehabilitation centre on Nov 11 and was under detention for a burglary case in Langkawi.