JOHOR BARU: Six teenage students have been arrested for allegedly bullying their junior to the extent that he dropped out of school.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said police received a report on the incident at about 5pm on Saturday (June 27).
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"The 14-year-old victim claimed he was assaulted and forced to hand over money to the suspects, who were his seniors at the same school in Muar," he said in a statement on Sunday (June 28).
"He was allegedly punched in the chest and headbutted, which left him with an eye injury," he added.
He said the victim also suffered emotional stress and trauma, and decided to quit school.
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Comm Ab Rahaman said the incident took place in May after the victim was allegedly accused of vaping using a device obtained from another student.
He added that the suspects, all 17-year-old boys, were arrested in Muar and Alor Gajah in Melaka between 1.30am and 2.12am on Sunday.
All six suspects have no previous criminal records and are remanded until Monday (June 29) to assist in the investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 507B of the Penal Code for causing harassment, distress, fear or anxiety.
It is also being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.
Comm Ab Rahaman said police are also investigating possible negligence by the hostel warden and school as the incident allegedly took place at the school hostel.
He urged other students who may have been victims of bullying by the suspects to come forward and lodge police reports.
Those with information can contact the Johor police hotline at 019-279 2095 or the state police contingent headquarters operations room at 07-221 2999.
