GEORGE TOWN: A clinical specialist in forensic medicine has confirmed that 14-year-old M. Vasanthapiriya, who committed suicide after being accused of stealing her teacher’s mobile phone last year, died of hanging.
Dr Chandroth Navin Pankajakshan, 35, from the Penang Hospital Forensic Medicine Department, said this during his testimony at the coroner’s court today.
He is the 11th witness to take the stand since the inquest proceedings into Vasanthapiriya’s death began in late May.
“The external examination conducted on the girl found a parchmented ligature abrasion mark around the girl’s neck.
“The mark was seen at the anterior part of the neck which then appeared to move posteriorly towards the sides of the neck in an upward direction to behind the ears,” he said.
Dr Chandroth Navin said multiple superficial incision marks of various ages of injuries were also noted over the ventral surface of the left forearm.
He added that there was also an abrasion at the centre of the chest, a linear abrasion at the upper aspect of the right chest and abrasion at the posterior aspect of the left and right side of the chest.
Dr Chandroth Navin said an internal examination conducted on the girl’s skull showed no evidence of a fracture.
“The right first, third, fourth and fifth anterior ribs and the left first to third anterior ribs were fractured,” he added.
It was reported that the Form Two student of SMK Methodist Nibong Tebal died in the Seberang Jaya Hospital following an attempt to hang herself, after she was accused of stealing her teacher’s iPhone in January.
She had vehemently denied the accusation and penned a note proclaiming her innocence.
She hanged herself in her home and was found by her father, who rushed the unconscious girl to the Seberang Jaya Hospital. She died on Feb 1.
Vasanthapiriya’s death sparked a huge outcry, with her family, relatives and the public demanding that justice is served.
Inquest officers Yusaini Amer Abdul Karim prosecuted.
Counsel Parmjit Singh and Sukhinderpal Singh are holding a watching brief for Vasanthapiriya’s family and non-governmental organisation (NGO) Malaysian Tamilar Kural respectively. Lawyer V. Parthipan is holding a watching brief for the teacher.
Hearing before coroner Norsalha Hamzah continues on July 27.