A distressing incident occurred yesterday(19/4) in an apartment lift where a 33-year-old man with Down Syndrome was splashed with hot water, resulting in burns.
The assault, captured on video footage that has since gone viral, took place when only the victim and the assailant, identified as a neighbor, were present in the lift.
According to NST, the victim’s sister, 23, reported the attack to the police after her brother informed her of the incident at about 9.20 am.
Now in stable condition
According to the police spokesman, the man was promptly taken to Penang Hospital for treatment where a medical officer confirmed burns on both the front and back of his right side.
Fortunately, he is now in stable condition.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack as there had been no prior communication between the victim and the suspect.
The case is being handled under Section 324 of the Penal Code which addresses grievous hurt.
Southwest acting police chief Deputy Superintendent Jafri Md Zain said the 39-year-old suspect was apprehended at 9.21 pm in the apartment complex where both she and the victim reside.
Police official, Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz also expressed his dismay over the incident on Facebook, urging for stringent action against the perpetrator and offering prayers for the victim’s speedy recovery.