Six male students have been arrested on Sunday over alleged bullying and extortion involving a 14-year-old victim at a boarding school in Muar.
Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said officers from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Muar District Police Headquarters detained the suspects in separate locations in Muar and Alor Gajah, Melaka between 1.30am and 2.12am.
He said the arrests were made after police received a report on the incident at about 5pm on Saturday.
In the case, the victim claimed he was assaulted on the chest and forced to hand over money to the suspects, who were identified as senior students at the school.
The victim also suffered bruising around the eye after his head was allegedly struck, leading to emotional distress and trauma, which eventually caused him to drop out of school.
Police said initial investigations found the incident occurred around May, allegedly linked to claims that the victim had been vaping, which was reportedly obtained from another student.
The case is being investigated under Section 507B and Section 323 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 involving suspected negligence by hostel wardens and school authorities.
All suspects have no prior criminal record, and a two-day remand order has been granted until tomorrow to assist investigations.
Police have urged other possible victims to come forward, stressing that all reports will be handled thoroughly and fairly.
Authorities also advised the public against speculation that could interfere with ongoing investigations, while encouraging information to be channelled through official hotlines.
