A FORM Five student has been taken into police custody in Bentong, Pahang, over allegations of bullying a Form One pupil using a lit cigarette, in an incident that reportedly took place within the school dormitory.
Pahang Police Chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said today that the suspect was detained on Thursday following reports that a 13-year-old boy sustained burns to his chest in what is believed to have occurred around midnight in the dormitory bathroom.
Initial investigations suggest that the victim was assaulted after refusing the suspect’s instructions to smoke a cigarette.
“Following the incident, the victim reported to the dormitory warden and was taken to Bentong Hospital for treatment.
“The boy sustained burns to his chest, with visible cigarette burn marks, and was treated as an outpatient,” Yahaya said.
The victim’s family subsequently lodged a police report, leading to the suspect’s arrest at the school dormitory.
“Based on preliminary inquiries, the incident occurred after the suspect allegedly forced the victim to smoke a cigarette. When the victim refused, the suspect became angry,” he added.
Yahaya noted that investigations are ongoing, with police set to interview several witnesses and examine the possibility of additional victims or perpetrators being involved.
The case is being investigated under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt, which carries a potential sentence of up to ten years’ imprisonment, a fine, and whipping.
