Police Failed To Forensic Test Zara S Clothes Lawyers

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Zara Qairina
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 3): Lawyers representing the family of Zara Qairina Mahathir, the form one student who died after an apparent fall from her school hostel in Papar on July 16, revealed that police never collected the clothes she wore for forensic testing.
In a joint statement on Sunday, Hamid Ismail and Shahlan Jufri expressed “surprise” that the investigation concluded without seizing the clothing, especially given potential criminal suspicions.
“Throughout our experience in criminal trials, police always seize items worn by a victim suspected of dying due to criminal acts,” they stated.
The lawyers confirmed Zara Qairina’s personal belongings and clothing, worn when she was found near the dormitory, were handed to her mother by the hospital on the day of the incident. These items are now held by an NGO representative appointed by the mother.
“Since July 17 until today (August 3), police have never requested or collected the clothes and belongings for investigation,” the lawyers emphasized.
They criticized the investigation papers sent to the Attorney General’s Department as “incomplete, not comprehensive, and very narrowly focused,” noting no autopsy was performed before burial.
While thanking the Prime Minister for his concern, the lawyers urged the Attorney General to return the papers to police and expedite a post-mortem and inquest to determine the true cause of death and any criminal involvement.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday declared that no individual implicated in the death of 13-year-old student will receive protection, regardless of rank or title.
He directed Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure the probe is conducted swiftly and comprehensively. - Borneo Post

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