KAPIT: A seven-year-old boy died today, two days after he was allegedly assaulted by his senior at a primary school’s hostel here.
The Year One pupil sustained multiple wounds and bruises on his head and body and died at the Sibu Hospital in Sibu at 3.30pm.
Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Amer Awal said the victim’s 35-year-old father, who is a farmer, received a call from a teacher at the school on the day of the incident.
He was told by the boy's teacher that his son had been hospitalised and was unconscious.
“Checks later revealed multiple bruises on the boy's head and body.
“The boy died after two days being admitted to the hospital,” Amer told the New Straits Times.
Acting on a report lodged by boy’s father, police arrested a 12-year-old pupil from the school, four hours before the victim’s death.
Amer said preliminary investigation showed that the suspect had punched and kicked the boy multiple times before the victim fell unconscious.
“Initial checks also showed that the assault was sparked after the victim made fun of the others boy's father's name."
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Amer said the suspect would be released on police bail after his statement is recorded, as he is a minor.
“We will also call up the school’s headmaster and teachers to facilitate investigation.
“Police have set up a task force headed by the Kapit district police chief (Deputy Superintendent Freddy Bian) to probe the murder,” he said.