Lockup rape: IGP urged to probe senior officers in charge of suspended cops
MIRI: Senator Alan Ling has called on Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador to order an investigation against senior police officers who were in charge of the two policemen on duty on the day an underage detainee was raped in the Miri Central Police Station lockup on Jan 9.
Ling in a statement to the media yesterday said he had written a letter to Abdul Hamid stating that those responsible in the incident must be investigated.
“The suspension of the two police personnel only does not satisfy the public who want justice in this case.
“This case has drawn public criticism and outrage; they cannot accept the fact that a minor who was placed under police custody and was supposed to be safe in there had to undergo such an incident,” said Ling, who is also the victim’s lawyer.
He called on the IGP to also investigate the senior police officers, saying they were “not sensitive and could not care less” in ensuring the safety of the victim inside the lockup under the Child Act 2001.
He pointed out that any police officers involved in the case must also be investigated under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001.
Section 31 of the Child Act 2001 states that any person who is found guilty of abusing a child is liable to a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment of not more than 20 years or both.
The rape of the 16-yearold girl occurred in the wee hours of Jan 9, following her arrest on Jan 8 for alleged involvement in online gambling activities.
A preliminary investigation revealed that during the incident, one of the male detainees had asked the girl if she wanted to use the toilet inside the police station, to which the victim agreed.
The suspect then opened her cell and took her to the toilet where he then raped her.
Ling in a press conference on Monday had revealed that the suspect had been charged with the offence and had pleaded guilty in court on Jan 12. Sentencing has been set for Feb 9 pending a social report.
Meanwhile, he said he was confident with the assurance given by the IGP and Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Aidi Ismail, that the police will thoroughly investigate the case.
“I hope that this case will be investigated in a transparent and fair manner and that those responsible will be brought to court soon,” he said.