‘Investigation paper incomplete’

BUTTERWORTH: Investigation paper on the death of M. Vasanthapiriya, who committed suicide after being accused of stealing a teacher’s iPhone, has been returned to the police for additional information.

A source from the deputy public prosecutor (DPP)’s office said further details were needed as the investigation paper was incomplete.

The source said police had briefed the DPP’s office about the case on Monday before the investigation paper was returned on the same day to get additional information.

“Further investigation is needed in the investigation paper before it can be resubmitted to the DPP’s office.

“We are confident that the case can be brought to the court, earliest within a week, if the investigation is completed and the paper resubmitted to us as soon as possible,” the source said.

As of now, the earliest the case can be brought to the court is in two weeks’ time.

However, the DPP’s office believes that it can be done earlier.

The source said the case would go through an inquest process as it had gained attention of various parties and was of public interest.

In the Jan 24 incident, the 14year-old student committed suicide after she was accused of stealing her teacher’s phone.

She died about a week later at the Seberang Jaya Hospital without regaining consciousness.