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THE investigation into the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir has revealed indications of bullying prior to the tragic incident, according to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
CID Director Datuk M Kumar said today the conclusion was drawn based on statements recorded and findings gathered thus far by the special task force formed to look into the case.
“In light of the findings, an investigation paper has been opened under Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code for further action,” he told a press conference at Bukit Aman today.
Kumar also confirmed that the investigation paper will soon be referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) for further consideration on potential criminal proceedings.
He further revealed that disciplinary action will be taken against the investigating officer and their supervisor following findings of procedural non-compliance during the initial investigation into Zara Qairina’s death.
“The task force, which commenced its work on 11 August, found that the investigating officer failed to apply for a post-mortem, which is a serious breach of procedure,” he said.
However, Kumar also disclosed that there had been a formal request from the victim’s mother to forgo the autopsy.
“This consent was documented with the signatures of the victim’s mother, the attending doctor, a pathologist and the investigating officer in a document titled ‘Declaration of Refusal for Post-Mortem Examination on Own Will’, issued by the hospital,” he said.
Earlier, the Attorney General’s Chambers announced its decision to conduct an inquest into Zara Qairina’s death after reviewing the investigation papers submitted by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) on Monday.
“The inquest will be held in accordance with subsection 339(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code \[Act 593] to determine the cause and manner of death, including whether any criminal elements were involved,” the AGC said in a statement.
The inquest, it added, would be carried out independently and transparently in the Coroner’s Court.
Zara Qairina, a 13-year-old student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tun Datu Mustapha Limauan in Papar, Sabah, was found unconscious in a drain near the school dormitory at around 4am on 16 July, believed to have fallen from the third floor.
She later died while receiving treatment at Hospital Queen Elizabeth I in Kota Kinabalu.
On 8 August, the AGC ordered the exhumation of Zara’s remains to allow for a post-mortem to be carried out. - August 13, 2025