BALIK PULAU: A 64-year-old man has been detained for allegedly raping his disabled niece.
Balik Pulau OCPD Asst Comm Sazalee Adam said the mother of the 27-year-old victim lodged a police report against the suspect, who is her cousin, after her daughter said he had allegedly raped her.
"The victim's mother returned home on Sunday (April 13) at about 6pm and found her daughter was not at home. She asked a friend about her daughter's whereabouts and received a similar response," he said on Tuesday (April 15).
ACP Sazalee said the victim's mother became worried and asked her friend to accompany her to her cousin's house in Kampung Kolam Ikan, Bayan Lepas.
Upon arrival, the victim's 47-year-old mother knocked on the door, which was answered by the suspect, who was dressed only in a towel.
"The suspect informed her that the victim had come to his house alone to take a shower," he said.
The victim's mother entered the house and found her daughter naked in the bathroom.
She lodged a police report on the same day.
ACP Sazalee said further investigation revealed the suspect is unemployed and lives alone while his wife and children live in Sungai Pinang, George Town.
The victim may have been raped more than once, but she is unable to specify how many times due to an intellectual disability since childhood and being unable to provide a clear statement.
"The victim is the eldest of three siblings and has never attended school. She lives with her mother, younger siblings, and the family of her mother’s cousin," said ACP Sazalee.
The forensic team was sent to the scene to investigate and collect evidence.
"The police found several pieces of evidence, including semen stains on the mattress and a T-shirt belonging to the suspect," he said, adding that the detained suspect admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim.
The victim was taken to the Penang Hospital for further treatment, and the case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape.
