Police name two suspects after student assault video goes viral

The Bener Meriah Police in Aceh have named two senior high school students as suspects in an alleged assault case against a student in the district.

“In the latest development, investigators have named two students, with the initials RA (17) and HR (16), as suspects,” said Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of Bener Meriah Police, First Inspector Julpandi, in Bener Meriah on Tuesday.

Previously, a senior high school student with the initials T (16) was allegedly assaulted by several other students in the Burni Telong village area, Wih Pesam sub-district, Bener Meriah regency, on Saturday (22/8). A video recording of the incident subsequently went viral on social media.

As a result of the incident, the victim sustained injuries and is still receiving treatment at Datu Beru Takengon Hospital in Central Aceh regency.

The case was subsequently reported to the Integrated Police Service Centre of Bener Meriah Police on Sunday (23/8).

Julpandi said the suspects were named after investigators examined witnesses and assessed that the evidence obtained was sufficient to determine the legal status of the two students.

According to him, both are still minors, so the legal process is being conducted with reference to Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Amendments to Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection, as well as Law Number 11 of 2012 concerning the Juvenile Criminal Justice System.

He said police have so far examined six witnesses and secured the clothing worn during the incident and the video recording stored on a mobile phone as evidence.

Investigators have also conducted a series of examinations to uncover the sequence of events.

Furthermore, investigators are coordinating with the Class II Lhokseumawe Correctional Centre, Bener Meriah social workers, and public prosecutors while completing the case file.

“We are ensuring that the case handling process is carried out professionally and in accordance with legal procedures, while continuing to prioritise the best interests of the child and ensuring that all facts of the incident are revealed objectively,” said Julpandi.