Police have confirmed that elements of bullying were found in the tragic death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina, whose passing sparked nationwide outrage.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference yesterday (Aug 13), federal police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar said a task force had uncovered statements which indicated bullying had occurred prior to Zara falling to her death.
More details to be revealed
Kumar said a total of 82 statements have been recorded so far by police and that the investigation paper will be referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers soon.
“We may recall some of them to have further statements recorded as the task force probe develops. Give us some time to investigate this. I give my assurance that everything will be disclosed,” he said as quoted by NST.
Kumar added that previously there was no legal provision to take action against bullying, but that changed when a special provision was implemented to curb bullying under Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code since July 11.
Under this law, those convicted face up to 10 years in jail, a fine, or both.
What happened so far
Zara was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar, Sabah, on July 16 after she was believed to have fallen from the third floor of her hostel.
She passed away the next day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and was buried in her hometown in Sipitang.
However, her body was dug up for a post-mortem to be conducted after her family claimed foul play was at work. A total of 20 to 30 possible injuries were later found.
An inquest was also ordered to probe the real circumstances leading to Zara’ death under Section 339(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
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