BALIK PULAU – A 32-year-old secondary school teacher has been remanded for four days by the Magistrate’s Court here to assist in investigations into the alleged rape of his 14-year-old student in a shopping centre parking lot.
Magistrate Chia Huey Ting issued the remand order against the suspect from today until October 6 to allow police to gather more evidence and statements related to the case.
The man, dressed in a yellow long-sleeved T-shirt and sports pants, was escorted by police personnel when he arrived at the Balik Pulau Magistrate’s Court around 8.15 am this morning.
Southwest District Police Chief Superintendent Kamarul Rizal Jenal confirmed that the case is being investigated under Section 376(2) of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
According to earlier reports, the suspect surrendered himself at the Barat Daya District Police Headquarters yesterday after the victim lodged a police report.
The teenage victim alleged that the suspect had raped her in the open parking lot of a shopping complex at Persiaran Bayan Indah in November last year. The incident only came to light recently when she confided in her family, who then encouraged her to make an official complaint to the authorities.
Police are now focusing on gathering forensic evidence and recording statements from several individuals who may have knowledge of the incident.
The case has sparked outrage among parents and community leaders, who have urged the authorities to ensure justice is served and to take strict action against those abusing their position of trust as educators.
The suspect is expected to be held at the Balik Pulau police station lock-up throughout the remand period while further investigations continue. – TVS
