KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has issued a directive for a detailed and comprehensive investigation into the fatal accident involving a senior police officer and a form five student in Ipoh, Perak yesterday,
He said the directive was conveyed to the Ipoh district police chief, Perak police chief and the Director of the Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department.
Razarudin assured that the investigation involving the senior police officer holding the rank of Deputy Superintendent, who is attached to the Kedah police headquarters would be transparent.
"Currently, the police have recorded statements from seven witnesses, including the school students present at the scene of the incident.
"Moreover, the police officer involved has been arrested. He will be brought to court today for a remand order," he told Berita Harian today.
The case is investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act for failure to control a vehicle resulting in death.
"I urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to come forward and assist police with the investigation.
"Despite the incident involving a senior police officer, I want to reassure the public the investigation will maintain transparency and fairness," he said.
In the 12.30pm incident, the victim, Muhammad Zaharif Affendi Muhd Zamrie, 17, was on his way home in Chemor from his school, SMK Jati in Meru.
It is understood that before the incident, there was an altercation involving the police officer who was driving a Perodua Ativa and the teenager, who allegedly who was making noise through his motorcycle.
Subsequent events led to the 44-year-old police officer chasing the victim for almost a kilometre before crashing into the teenager from behind.
Due to the impact, the victim fell and was dragged almost five metres.
It is learnt that the driver of the Perodua Ativa allegedly turned back to the location to see the condition of the victim, but immediately drove away when he realised the heavy presence of members of the public.
Zaharif, who was still fully dressed in his school's sports attire, was confirmed dead at the scene.
Police later confirmed that the police officer involved the crash was arrested.