Zara S Case Io Failed To Follow Procedure Says Bukit Aman

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The investigating officer in charge of Zara Qairina Mahathir’s death failed to follow proper procedures by not requesting a post-mortem, said Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director M Kumar.
The case, which was initially classified as a sudden death, will also focus on possible criminal elements, including bullying.
At a press conference at Bukit Aman police headquarters today, Kumar told reporters that Zara’s death happened under suspicious circumstances and warranted a post-mortem.
“Although Zara’s mother earlier signed a statutory declaration declining a post-mortem, the investigating officer should have applied for one… The lack of a post-mortem is clearly against our SOP,” he said.
He added that the investigating officer and his superior would be referred to Bukit Aman’s integrity and standards compliance department.
Zara Qairina MahathirYesterday, Bukit Aman sent a special task force to Sabah comprising nine officers from the CID to ensure the probe into the 13-year-old’s death was thorough and transparent.
Bernama reported today that Kumar shared findings from the special CID team, showing that Zara’s post-mortem confirmed that she died from severe brain injury due to a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain caused by a fall, consistent with the initial diagnosis.
He also said that the special task force has already recorded statements from 82 individuals, including other students.
"The task force consists of me, my two deputies, officers from D11 and D5, and psychologists.
“Police have also provided psychological intervention for 124 SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha students identified as traumatised by the incident, to help restore their confidence.
“To date, 15 investigation papers have been opened related to the spread of unverified information that could disrupt public order and the investigation process,” he added.
He also confirmed there was no involvement of any VIPs in the case, and no elements of a “cover-up” in the investigation.
Inquest ordered
Earlier today, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) ordered an inquest into Zara’s death to determine if there were criminal elements in the July 16 incident.
The AGC said this decision was made after it reviewed an investigation report submitted by the police yesterday.
Zara was found unconscious in a drain below her school dormitory in Papar on July 16 and died the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I in Kota Kinabalu.
Her family believes bullying may have played a role.
Her death has sparked various conspiracies, including a purported cover-up.
The conspiracies were exacerbated by the local police’s failure to perform an autopsy, which led to her remains being exhumed for a post-mortem.
Following public uproar, the AGC issued an order last week for Zara’s body to be exhumed for a post-mortem. - Mkini

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