Zara Qairina Investigation: 5 Things The Police Have Confirmed So Far

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M Kumar held a press conference yesterday, 13 August, to provide the latest developments on the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir from Papar, Sabah

According to the New Straits Times, Kumar said the updates were based on findings from a special task force assigned to the case.

Nine CID officers were sent to Sabah on 11 August to take over the investigation to ensure it is conducted transparently and thoroughly.

---

Here's what police have confirmed so far:

---

1. The recent post-mortem confirms Zara's cause of death matches the initial diagnosis

Kumar said the post-mortem conducted on 10 August confirmed that Zara died from severe brain injury due to a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain caused by a fall.

He added that Zara did not die on the spot on 16 July but passed away in hospital the next day, confirming that the post-mortem findings are consistent with earlier assessments.

"It was determined that the cause of death was consistent with the initial diagnosis, which was severe traumatic brain injury with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy," he was quoted as saying.

---

2. The task force has identified elements of non-compliance with protocols during the early investigation

Kumar said the original investigating officer (IO) failed to request an autopsy despite suspicious circumstances surrounding the student's death.

"When there is suspicion over a death, a post-mortem must be conducted. The question here is: why did the IO not apply for it?" he said, reported the New Straits Times.

He stressed that a post-mortem examination should have been sought even though Zara's mother had signed a statutory declaration declining the procedure. This consent was recorded in an official document titled 'Declaration of Refusal to Conduct Autopsy on the Body at Own Request', signed by the victim's mother, a pathologist, and the investigating officer.

Kumar asserted that firm action will be taken against the officer and their department head.

"The IO and his supervisor will be referred to the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department for further action," he said.

---

3. Police confirmed having recorded 82 statements, and have given support to affected students

Kumar said police had earlier recorded statements from 82 individuals, including students, adding that the current task force may recall some for further questioning.

He also said psychological support has been provided to 124 SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha students who were traumatised by the incident.

---

4. Police have found elements of bullying in the case

Initially classified as sudden death, federal police are now focusing on possible criminal elements in the case.

Kumar said the task force has found witness statements indicating that bullying had occurred prior to Zara's death.

Police are now investigating under the newly enforced Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code, which took effect on 11 July, making bullying a criminal offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine, or both.

"Previously, there was no legal provision to take action against bullying, but since 11 July, a special provision has been put in place to curb bullying under Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code," said Kumar.

---

5. Police are also investigating the spread of fake news on social media, including allegations that the victim was put in a washing machine

Kumar said a 39-year-old woman in Rawang has been arrested for spreading fake news about Zara's death under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 323 of the Penal Code.

So far, 15 investigation papers have been opened over unverified information in connection with the case.

"We have to take stern action on fake news as it could disrupt public order and the investigation process," he said.