In a significant legal development, a deputy superintendent within the police force faced charges today in the magistrate’s court in Ipoh, Perak, for the alleged murder of a 17-year-old school student.
Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak, 44, stood before Magistrate S. Punitha, where the charge was formally presented. However, no plea was recorded, considering the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
The charge revolves around the alleged murder of Muhammad Zaharif Affendi Muhd Zamrie on Dec 15 between 12:05 PM and 12:40 PM in Jalan Taman Jati 1 near SMK Jati, Meru.
Under Section 302 of the Penal Code, Mohd Nazri faces severe penalties if found guilty, including death or imprisonment between 30 to 40 years with no less than 12 strokes.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Azlina Rasdi led the prosecution, supported by a team of legal representatives. Mohd Nazri was represented by lawyer Jacky Loi Yap Loong.
The court scheduled February 7 next year for a mention, awaiting pending chemical reports pertinent to the case.
The tragic incident took place last Friday when Muhammad Zaharif was heading home from SMK Jati in Meru to Taman Chepor Sentosa around noon.
Reports suggest a dispute between Mohd Nazri, driving a car, and the victim, who was riding a motorcycle, resulted in a chase, spanning almost a kilometer. The confrontation culminated in the car hitting the victim from behind, causing him to fall and be dragged roughly five meters.
The victim, in full school sports uniform, was pronounced dead at the scene. A subsequent post-mortem examination at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital revealed chest and abdomen injuries from a road traffic crash as the cause of death.
Social media uproar over the incident urged a thorough investigation, leading to a statement from Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husin, promising action if evidence incriminated any officer.
Razarudin revealed that the decision to charge the deputy superintendent under Section 302 stemmed from a comprehensive investigation by the state and district police chiefs, emphasizing the force’s commitment to transparent and fair inquiries into any criminal case.
“I remain unwavering in holding accountable any personnel or officer committing a crime, ensuring a transparent investigation to preserve the force’s reputation,” Razarudin told Bernama.