PETALING JAYA: The teacher involved in the circumstances that led to the suicide death of 14-year-old student M Vasanthapiriya will be provided with legal assistance, says the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP).
In a statement today, NUTP secretary-general Harry Tan said a lawyer had been appointed for a watching brief on behalf of the teacher for the duration of the inquest into the teenager’s death.
“We want to assist her and NUTP will represent the teacher if necessary,” Tan said.
It was previously reported that the coroner’s court will begin its inquest into the death of Vasanthapiriya on March 30 in Penang.
Vasanthapiriya, a student of SMK Methodist Nibong Tebal, attempted to take her own life on Jan 24 after being accused of stealing her teacher’s iPhone.
She died a week later in hospital without regaining consciousness.
Her uncle had, in a police report, alleged that she had been confined by her teacher in school before she was brought to her parents five hours later.
An inquest is usually held when there are reasons to suspect that a person has died in a sudden or unnatural manner.
It is held by a coroner, usually a
magistrate, to ascertain the circumstances surrounding a death.
Penang police chief A Thaiveegan was previously reported as saying that more than 30 people were expected to testify at the inquest, depending on the coroner’s instructions.
AG okays inquest into death of girl accused of stealing iPhone