Malaysian police have arrested three 16-year-old boys after a female student was found critically injured inside a secondary school hall in Yong Peng, Johor, Malaysia.
The 16-year-old student, identified as Irene Sofiya, died after succumbing to her injuries.
Police are investigating the case as murder.
According to Malaysian media reports, Irene was expected to attend extra classes at school on Sunday (4 Oct).
Her 65-year-old grandmother, Jameyah Rabani, reportedly began searching for her after one of Irene’s friends called to ask about her whereabouts.
Source: Guang Ming Daily
At around 5.30pm, Irene was found lying inside the school’s assembly hall with dried bloodstains and severe injuries.
She was reportedly still conscious when she was discovered, but subsequently lost consciousness and died.
“She could no longer speak, but she responded to my presence by raising her hand and turning her head to look at me. I held her in my arms and guided her through the shahada (Arabic term for the declaration of faith in one God),” Ms Jameyah recounted.
Source: Guang Ming Daily
Irene had been living with her grandmother following her mother’s death, while her father works in Kuala Lumpur.
Police subsequently arrested three 16-year-old male students, all believed to be schoolmates of the victim.
At least one of the suspects is expected to be brought before the Batu Pahat Magistrate’s Court for a remand application as investigations continue.
He has then been granted a six-day remand order to assist with the investigation.
Source: Berita Harian
Forensic officers also examined the school hall, which was cordoned off following the incident.
Local reports said pieces of a broken vase were found near Irene, although police have yet to publicly confirm whether the object was used in the alleged attack.
Johor police have urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the case.
This comes amid online speculation that the incident may have involved school bullying.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing, with the case being investigated under Section 302 of Malaysia’s Penal Code for murder.
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Featured image adapted from Guang Ming Daily.