MIRI – Sarawak police chief Datuk Aidi Ismail has acknowledged that there were elements of negligence among police personnel in the rape of a 16-year-old girl who was detained during an online gambling raid.
“Several personnel on duty that night were negligent. We will take necessary actions once investigation into the case is completed this week,” he told reporters here today.
Aidi had earlier held a closed-door meeting with the Miri police chief and several other senior personnel here this afternoon.
The state police chief said the victim’s claim that she was raped by a 19-year-old male detainee in the Miri police station lock-up is being thoroughly investigated.
Two policemen on duty at the time of the incident are also being probed, and have been suspended.
Miri police chief Hakemal Hawari accompanied Aidi today for the meeting and visit to the scene of the incident.
Aidi said that the police will not make any compromises in the investigation and no stone will be left unturned.
With regards to the allegation, the suspect has been charged in the sessions court.
Further investigations into claims of police negligence are being carried out by a team from the Sarawak Police Contingent headquarters from Kuching.
Aidi said if the two are found guilty of negligence, appropriate punishments will be meted out.
He called on all parties to allow the police to carry out their investigations and not to create public unease through speculative comments.
The victim was detained by police during a raid at an illegal online gambling den last week, while the suspect was arrested for theft. – The Vibes, January 19, 2021
