Statements Recorded From 60 Witnesses On Zara Qairina's Fatal Fall - Sabah Police

KOTA KINABALU, July 31 (Bernama) -- Police have recorded statements from about 60 witnesses, including students, parents and school officials, in connection with the investigation into the death of religious school student Zara Qairina, 13, on July 17, according to Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun.

He said police are also assisted by counselling experts to help traumatised students give clear statements about the incident.

"We have taken this investigation to Bukit Aman for observation and final review before referring it to the Attorney-General's Chambers. We have left it to Bukit Aman, being a higher authority, to provide further views regarding the case.

"We do not rule out the possibility of the allegation (that Zara was a victim) of bullying but the investigation is still ongoing," he said after attending the Sabah's celebration of 2025 Warriors' Day at the Sabah police contingent headquarters (IPK) here today.

The function was officiated by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah Tun Musa Aman. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor was also present.

Zara Qairina was confirmed dead (taken off life support as doctors diagnosed no brain function) at the Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu at 11 am on July 17, a day after she allegedly fell from the third floor and laid unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory at 4 am on July 16.

Jauteh said police investigation is currently focused on two main elements: the cause of death and the victim's surrounding environment.

He said the public demands a transparent and thorough investigation into the case, hence, police are taking some time to complete the investigation in an orderly and professional manner.

On July 18, he said, Sabah police had sent a special team to conduct an investigation at the school.

“Some of the witnesses are also students of the school, if we conduct the investigation in an unprofessional or irregular manner, this will certainly add to their trauma over the situation,” he said.

-- BERNAMA