Two uncles of abused child detained to assist investigation

Police have detained two uncles of a five-year-old girl, who was found seriously injured recently in Rantau Panjang who was believed to have been abused.

Without disclosing their identities, Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mazlan Lazim said both men were detained within the district several days ago to assist in the investigation.

"We have detained four individuals in this case, namely two uncles, the stepmother and biological father (of the victim), to assist in the investigation," he told reporters after breaking fast with police volunteer reserves at the Kelantan police headquarters, here last night.

"So far, 21 statements had been recorded, and we will refer the investigation papers to the public prosecutor who will decide whether to press charges or otherwise."

The victim was discovered by her mother on June 24 with bruises and scars on her head and all over her body. Besides being malnourished, the child was also found by doctors to have sustained 13 broken bones.

On the same day, the child was admitted to Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, here for treatment and was placed under the care of the Social Welfare Department.

The child's biological father and stepmother, aged 39 and 25 respectively who were looking after her previously, were remanded by police on June 28 for further investigation.