The post-mortem on Zara Qairina Mahathir confirmed that her injuries were consistent with a fall, federal police said.
Federal Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M Kumar stated that the findings matched earlier assessments, confirming the cause of death as severe traumatic brain injury with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy.
The examination, conducted at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital (HQE) in Kota Kinabalu on 10 August, lasted about eight hours.
The case, initially classified as sudden death, will now focus on possible criminal elements, including bullying. After reviewing the police investigation report, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) announced an inquest under subsection 339(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code to determine the cause and circumstances of death.
Police have recorded statements from 82 witnesses, including students, some of whom were recalled for further questioning. Psychological support has been provided to 124 students of SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha affected by the incident.
Kumar emphasised there was no “cover-up” in the investigation. He also said police are investigating false claims on social media, including allegations that Zara was placed in a washing machine. A 39-year-old woman was arrested in Rawang under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 323 of the Penal Code.
“So far, 15 investigation papers have been opened over the spread of unverified information that could disrupt public order and the investigation process,” he said.
It was also revealed that the investigating officer failed to request a post-mortem despite the suspicious circumstances. Kumar said the officer should have done so even though Zara’s mother had signed a statutory declaration declining it.
The officer and his superior will be referred to the police’s integrity and standards compliance department over the lapse.