Couple remanded for a week over death of 2-year-old girl
Police yesterday obtained a seven-day remand order against a couple in connection with the death of a 2-year-old girl, who was believed to have been physically and sexually abused in Kandang here.
The remand was issued by the magistrate court’s assistant registrar Mohd Anuar Ostadi.
The case is being investigated under Section 31 (1) of the Child Act 2001 and Section 14 (a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
State Criminal Investigation Department chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Nor Yhazid Idris said the suspects, aged 45 and 36, have been remanded from yesterday until Sept 17 to assist in the investigation.
“We are waiting for the post-mortem report.”
It is understood that the child had been cared for by the couple since July after being handed over by her aunt. About 2am on Tuesday, she was taken to Malacca Hospital after falling unconscious.
Sources said medical staff performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the victim but failed to revive her and she was pronounced dead.
“Checks revealed bruises and scars on the head and thighs of the victim. The couple were then arrested.”
The girl’s grandfather, who is in his 60s and wanted to be known only as Azmi, said he had never expected her life would end that way.
“I am shocked and it’s hard to believe she is gone,” he said.
Azmi, who lives in in Kulai, Johor, said he had rushed here in the morning after receiving the news.