A 19-year-old male suspect has been placed under a seven-day remand to assist authorities in an investigation concerning an alleged sexual assault involving a young girl at a mosque in Batang Kali, Selangor. The incident reportedly occurred yesterday.
According to Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, the Kuala Kubu Baharu Sessions Court granted the remand order earlier today.
“Initial findings suggest that the suspect had no prior acquaintance with the victim,” Hussein stated when contacted.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 14 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
Regarding claims that the suspect holds a Persons with Disabilities (OKU) card, Hussein noted that his department has yet to receive official verification from the Social Welfare Department.
READ MORE: Two Individuals Charged Following Violent Incident Outside Turkish Consulate
The case drew significant public attention after CCTV footage went viral, capturing a man in a white skullcap entering the women’s prayer section unnoticed. The video allegedly shows him approaching a girl while she was in prostration, embracing her, and attempting to carry her away without drawing attention from other worshippers.
Further footage revealed a struggle as the suspect allegedly attempted to assault the victim. However, she resisted, prompting him to flee.
Law enforcement officers later arrested the suspect at his residence, located approximately one kilometre from the mosque, at around 10 a.m. yesterday.
Authorities continue their investigation and urge the public to refrain from speculation as legal proceedings unfold.