A-G gives go-ahead for inquest into girl’s death
30 to testify in open hearing, says state police chief
THE attorney-general has approved an inquest into the death of teenager M. Vasanthapiriya. Penang police chief Commissioner Datuk A. Thaiveegan said police received the approval last week.
“We have completed investigations into the matter and have obtained the A-G’s approval for an inquest to be held.
“We are waiting for a date to proceed with the inquest. Once we are given the date, we will make an official announcement,” he said after a dialogue with teachers and students from Tamil schools in the Seberang Prai Selatan district.
He said 30 witnesses would testify at the inquest, which would be an open hearing, adding that “there may be more (people) testifying, depending on how the hearing goes”.
He said the police would continue to carry out their duty in a professional manner, and assured the public that there was no cause for concern.
“Just come forward if you have any information. That is the best.”
It was reported that Vasanthapiriya, 14, a Form Two student of SMK Methodist Nibong Tebal, died in hospital following a suicide attempt after being accused of stealing her teacher’s iPhone last month.
She had denied the accusation and penned a note proclaiming her innocence. She hung herself at her home and was found by her father, who rushed her to Seberang Jaya Hospital. She died without regaining consciousness on Feb 1.
Her death sparked an outcry, with family, relatives and the public demanding that justice be served.
The teacher concerned, who had since been posted to a desk job at the district Education office, had lodged a police report after receiving death threats.
Thaiveegan, however, declined to comment on the matter when asked, saying to “wait for the inquest as we can no longer comment on the case”.
During the dialogue session, Thaiveegan mentioned Vasanthapiriya’s case.
“People have asked me whether police are covering up the case.
“We investigated it in detail and have completed our investigations,” he said.
“Now, we have the go ahead to hold an inquest. We are fully committed to the case.”
He presented a contribution to Vasanthapiriya’s parents.