Police Sources Say CCTV Footage Shows Vasanthapiriya Taking Her Teacher's iPhone
The Form Two student had vehemently denied taking the iPhone.
By Sadho Ram — 11 Feb 2018, 09:58 PM
In a shocking turn of events, footage from closed-circuit television (CCTV) obtained from the Nibong Tebal SMK Methodist shows that it was indeed Vasanthapiriya who had taken her teacher's iPhone
Vasanthapiriya, a student at Nibong Tebal SMK Methodist, had attempted suicide by hanging herself with a shawl at home last month after being harassed at school by her teacher who had accused the Form Two of stealing her iPhone.
The 14-year-old, who was admitted at Seberang Jaya Hospital, eventually died on 1 February without ever regaining consciousness since the incident.
She had left a note to her parents, saying that she did not steal her teacher's iPhone.
"Nobody is responsible for my death. I want to thank my lovely parents for taking care of me. I am so sorry. Teacher, I never took your phone. I promise."
However, police sources, who confirmed the CCTV footage, refused to comment further, fearing it might jeopardise their investigation
"We call for calm and for the people to wait for the inquest proceedings," NST Online quoted police sources as saying.
While reporting about the CCTV footage, NST Online said that the teacher had seen the CCTV recording and had spoken to Vasanthapiriya about the matter.
However, the Form Two student vehemently denied taking the iPhone.
Meanwhile, Deputy Public Prosecutor's office has returned three investigation papers to the police, seeking further information
Prior to this, Penang CID chief Zainol Samah, while speaking about their investigations into the case, had said that while they have looked into several sections and even the Child Act 2001, the problem with the case is that a lot of it is hearsay.
The case, which was first investigated under Section 309 of the Penal Code for attempted suicide, was classified under sudden death report (SDR) after the Form Two student passed away at the Seberang Jaya Hospital at 3.30am on 1 February.
While the investigation paper on the attempted suicide was submitted to the DPP's office, it responded with no further action (NFA), requesting the police to conduct further investigations to find new leads, The Star Online reported the CID chief as saying.
So far, even though the police have recorded a total of 24 statements, the problem with this case, CID chief Zainol says, is that a lot of it is hearsay.
"There were many unverified information made in connection with this case and we have to call up those who made those remarks to assist in the probe.
"Whoever made untrue statements have to bear the consequences," he was quoted as saying by The Star Online, adding police would also call up Malaysian Tamilar Kural president David Marshel to assist in their probe.
You can read all about the case into Vasanthapiriya's death on SAYS here.