Indonesian woman found murdered in Penang

GEORGE TOWN – An Indonesian woman was found dead with four bruises on her body – including one along the circumference of her neck – at a residence on the third floor of the Sri Nipah Apartment, Sg Nibong here, late last night.

The bloodstained body of the 45-year-old woman was found at about 11.30pm by two Bangladeshi men living in the three-bedroom apartment, who then lodged the report with police.

North East district police chief Soffian Santong said the cops found the body in one of the bedrooms.

He said the results of the initial forensic examination found bruises on the back of her ears, abdomen, and chest, in addition to a 13cm bruise along the circumference of her neck.

“Based on the condition of the body, the victim is believed to have died within the past 24 hours.

“Besides that, the initial interrogation of the two tenants revealed that they claimed to have heard their friend (the Bangladeshi male suspect) and the victim arguing at about 7.30am yesterday. They were shocked to have found the victim’s body after returning home from work last night.

“Also found at the scene were two vegetable knife blades, one of which had traces of blood, and a rope believed to have been used by the suspect to tie and kill the victim,” he told reporters today.

Soffian said police found traces of rope marks on the victim’s wrists as well as legs and did not rule out the possibility the woman was tied before being killed.

He said, from their inspection of the room, police also found several documents and copies of the passport believed to belong to the Indonesian woman, but her identity will only be confirmed after the autopsy is done.

“We are still investigating whether the victim lived there, as well as the relationship between them.

“So far, we have detained two men who live in the residence to assist in the investigation and efforts to track down the 37-year-old suspect who has fled.”

The body was taken to Penang Hospital for autopsy and the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code. – The Vibes, December 6, 2021