BUTTERWORTH: The family of 13-year-old M Vasanthapiriya, who died early yesterday after she attempted to commit suicide following iPhone theft accusation, called for immediate police investigation into the case.
Malaysian Tamilar Kural (MTK) president P David Marshel, who represents the girl’s family, called on the police to launch immediate investigation to seek justice over the death of the Form Two student.
“There has been no explanation or any response either from the police or the Education Ministry with regard to this case up until now. We want to seek justice for the deceased, who was accused of stealing a mobile phone by a teacher, and her family.
“We want the police and ministry to issue statements on the status of the case immediately,” he told a press conference at the Seberang Jaya Hospital here yesterday.
David claimed that although the deceased’s uncle had lodged a police report, there had been no action taken by the police or update on whether the teacher were being detained, interrogated or still at the District Education Office.
Vasanthapiriya died at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit at 3.35am after being in coma since Jan 24, the same day she was found unconscious by her father at their house after she hanged herself.Prior to hanging herself, the teenager left a note which read: “I did not take your iPhone, teacher. I swear!”
In the meantime, David said MTK would take legal action against the teacher if they were not satisfied with the outcome of the police investigation.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s aunt, A Lalitha, 43, said she was disappointed with the way the teacher handled the situation and for not discussing with the parents about the alleged theft.
“My niece was a friendly and caring person. She was embarrassed after being accused of stealing because she did not do it. The teacher should have talked to her parents first but instead, she was tortured and beaten in front of her fellow male students. That was why she felt so embarrassed and resorted to such action (hanging),” she said.
Meanwhile, Seberang Perai Selatan district police chief Supt Shafee Abdul Samad denied allegation that the police did not investigate the case.
He said the investigation paper of the case was completed and submitted to deputy public prosecutor (DPP) yesterday for further action.
“Police have recorded statements from several witnesses including the female teacher involved in the case in order to complete the probe paper. So, we are now awaiting further instruction from the DPP’s office,” he told Bernama here. Shafee also urged members of the public not to speculate on the case. — Bernama