PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan was re-arrested by police today, right after he was released on bail after being detained along with 21 others during the police crackdown on today's May Day march.

NONEArutchelvan (left) and the rest taken into custody by police were brought to the Dang Wangi police district headquarters where police recorded their statements.

Contacted by Malaysiakini, the PSM leader said that he was re-arrested under Section 380 of the penal code.

The specific section deals with robbery, the theft of valuables and goods from a dwelling or house.

"I don't know what case it is, this is politically motivated," said Arutchelvan.

Asked him if he knew whether the police were going to charge him, he said that he did not know their intentions.

Police claim Arutchelvan is a suspect in a robbery case which took place in Kedah in 1995.

Allegations denied

However the party leader denied the allegations, adding that he suspects that authorities are framing him up for robbery, as according to him, he was no where near the state of Kedah at that time.

"This is an unfounded decision. I have been arrested for over 30 times for high profile cases like public assembly and I a Kajang councillor. If there was a case, they could have charged me," he said.

Other then Arutchelvan, 20 others detained by police at the May Day march this morning were all allowed bail.

But they collectively refused to leave police district headquarters unless the PSM leader was allowed to leave with them.

100 or so activists continued to chant "bebas tahanan!" (free the prisoners) at the gates despite heavy rain.

Teja assemblyperson Chang Lih Kang who was also at the police station also tweeted that this was "Mala fide to its highest order!"

Police at first refused to allow him bail claiming that they he is a suspect in a 1995 robbery, but relented after negotiations.

However they arrested him again after he made bail.

But they freed Arutchelvan again at approximately 7pm, with the condition he would have to report to the Alor Star police station in a week's time.

Aru said he would consult his lawyer for next course of action. He is considering lodging police reports on the May Day events and his re-arrest either by Tuesday or Wednesday.

The re-arrest lasted 20 minutes, and Arutchelvan recorded a statement.