Nothing suspicious about Zara’s death, IO tells inquest
Investigating officer Wong Yew Zhung cites investigations at the scene, and doctors finding no injuries on the student other than those caused by a fall from a height.
Zara Qairina Mahathir's death in Sabah, Malaysia, on July 17, 2025, was ruled as not suspicious, according to police inspector Wong Yew Zhung. The 83rd witness in the inquest stated that his investigation at the scene and the absence of injuries, other than those from a fall from a height, led to this conclusion. Wong emphasized that no one witnessed Zara falling, which contributed to the suspicion raised by the mother, who initially refused an autopsy.
However, forensic results later confirmed the same cause of death. The case gained attention after Student A claimed Zara had expressed suicidal thoughts multiple times due to school and family issues. Zara was discovered unconscious near a drain at her dormitory in Papar, and her remains were exhumed on August 9 for a post-mortem examination.
Five minors, identified as Students A to E, were subsequently charged with verbally abusing Zara in a Kota Kinabalu children's court, with the inquest still ongoing.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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