CCTV footage shows student took iPhone

NIBONG TEBAL: Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from SMK Methodist Nibong Tebal shows that M. Vasanthapiriya, who died following an attempted suicide after being accused of stealing her teacher’s iPhone, had taken the device.

Police sources, who confirmed the matter, refused to comment further for fear that it might jeopardise investigations.

It was learnt that the teacher had seen the CCTV recordings and had spoken to the Form Two girl, who had vehemently denied taking the handphone.

“We call for calm and for the people to wait for the inquest proceedings,” the sources said.

Prior to this, police had completed three investigation papers in relation to the case and handed them to the deputy public prosecutor’s office for action.

However, the investigation papers were returned to police, seeking further information.

It was reported that the 14year-old had been summoned by three teachers on Jan 24 and was quizzed over the disappearance of the iPhone.

One of the teachers had reportedly struck the student for failing to own up to the theft.

The teacher and her husband, who teaches at another school, had allegedly threatened to lodge a police report.

They sent Vasanthapiriya home after school and told her father, R. Muniandy, about what had happened.

However, the girl was adamant that she did not do it.

She hung herself at home that night. Muniandy found her unconscious, but alive, and rushed her to hospital. She died on Feb 1 without regaining consciousness at Seberang Jaya Hospital.