ALOR STAR, Oct 16 — Police have clarified that a recent rape case involving students at a Baling boarding school has been classified as statutory rape, and not gang rape.
According to New Straits Times, Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said the victim, a minor, had sexual intercourse with each of the four suspects on separate occasions, including in an empty classroom and at a palm oil estate.
He reported said today that videos found on mobile phones seized during the investigation did not depict the sexual acts but showed other immoral behaviour involving the victim.
“Although the acts were carried out on a consensual basis, the victim is underage and cannot be considered mature enough to understand the consequences,” he was quoted as saying when met at his office.
“The case is classified as statutory rape.” he reportedly added.
Adzli confirmed that one of the suspects, aged 17, was the victim’s boyfriend.
He said one of the four suspects was a former student who had been expelled, while the remaining three are set to face expulsion.
Adzli added that there was no evidence to suggest the videos were sold, but they had been shared among individuals, including by the victim.
“This case reflects a lack of maturity. Parents must be more vigilant in monitoring their children’s use of gadgets and social media,” he was quoted as saying.
The case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape and Section 8 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 for the dissemination of child pornography.
Police had earlier arrested four teenagers aged between 15 and 17, including three students, in connection with the case.
