KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — The investigation into the death of Form 1 student Zara Qairina Mahathir from SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar, Sabah, which was initially classified as sudden death, will now focus on possible criminal elements, including bullying.
At a press conference here today, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Kumar Muthuvelu said this was among findings of a special CID team of nine sent to Sabah on August 11 to probe into the case.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) today announced its decision to conduct an inquest into Zara Qairina’s death after reviewing the investigation report submitted by the Royal Malaysia Police.
The inquest will be carried out under subsection 339(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code to establish the cause and circumstances surrounding her death.
Kumar said the post-mortem confirmed Zara Qairina died from a severe brain injury due to a lack of oxygen and blood to the brain from a fall, consistent with the initial diagnosis.
So far, police have taken statements from 82 witnesses, including students, with some recalled for further questioning to establish what happened before the fall.
“Police have also provided psychological intervention for 124 SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha students traumatised by the incident, to help restore their confidence.”
Kumar stressed there were no elements of a “cover-up” in the investigation, and said police are probing into the spread of false news on social media about the case, including allegations that the victim was put in a washing machine, over which a 39-year-old woman was arrested in Rawang under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 323 of the Penal Code.
“Fifteen investigation papers have been opened related to the spread of unverified information that could disrupt public order and the investigation process,” he said.
On August 8, the AGC said Zara Qairina’s grave must be exhumed for a post-mortem to allow further investigation. Her remains were exhumed the next day from the Tanjung Ubi Muslim Cemetery in Kampung Mesapol, Sipitang, and taken to Queen Elizabeth I Hospital for a post-mortem before being buried again in the same cemetery yesterday.
The 13-year-old was declared dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu on July 17, a day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory at about 4am on July 16.
