Pathologists conducting a post-mortem on Form 1 student Zara Qairina Mahathir at Queen Elizabeth Hospital reportedly detected as many as 20 to 30 possible injuries.
According to Daily Express, the autopsy, which lasted eight hours, was closely monitored by pro-bono family lawyer Shahlan Jufri, who was present in the hospital’s viewing area.
Every injury was assessed
A reporter from Daily Express observed Shahlan being repeatedly called into the post-mortem room each time a new injury was confirmed by the specialists.
“Every injury was looked at and assessed. I also took note of the injuries that were highlighted by Dr Jessie Hui (Queen Elizabeth Hospital 1) and forensic pathology consultant Dr Khairul Anuar Zainun from Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang, Selangor.
“The team meticulously examined Zara’s remains for all possible injuries for eight straight hours, with particular attention to those she might have sustained due to alleged bullying,” he said.
Although each injury was evaluated and explained to him by the pathologists, Shahlan declined to disclose details, saying it was for the authorities to address.
I witnessed the post-mortem process right to the end as the pathologist checked through every part of the body, including internal organs,” he added.
Zara was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar district on July 16 after she was believed to have fallen from the third floor of her hostel.
She died the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and was buried in her hometown in Sipitang.
Her death has raised questions over the circumstances leading to the incident, with concerns that she may have been a victim of school bullying.
Investigations into the case are ongoing.
