KOTA KINABALU: A neurosurgery doctor told the Coroner’s Court that he had explained Zara Qairina Mahathir’s medical condition to her mother.
The fourth inquest witness, Dr Pavankumar Balachandran, said he had given an explanation to Noraidah Lamat regarding her 13-year-old daughter’s cause of death.
Rizwandean M. Borhan, the lawyer representing Noraidah, asked Dr Pavankumar to clarify when and where the explanation was given, as his client had claimed she was not informed.
Rizwandean: I have been instructed by Zara’s mother that you never explained the cause of the deceased’s death. What is your response?
Dr Pavankumar: I have explained to the mother and some relatives about the time and cause of death.
Zara Qairina succumbed to her injuries at about 1.07pm on July 17. She was admitted to the neurosurgery ward at Queen Elizabeth Hospital the day before in an unconscious and critical condition.
The coordinating officer, Datuk Badiuszaman Ahmad, initially remarked that Rizwandean’s question resembled cross-examination.
However, Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan allowed the question to proceed.
Rizwandean argued that the question was relevant to the inquest.
Earlier, Dr Pavankumar had told the court that he informed the deceased’s mother immediately after Zara Qairina’s death in the neurosurgery ward.
He added that there were a few individuals present at the time but could not confirm if they were relatives or friends.
Rizwandean also questioned Dr Pavankumar about his witness statement regarding the investigating officer, who had instructed that the body be sent to the Forensic Medicine Department after a discussion with Noraidah.
The lawyer reiterated that his client denied any such discussion took place.
Dr Pavankumar replied that he did see both the investigating officer and Noraidah having a discussion.
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