A 43-year-old man who is being investigated for allegedly assaulting his wife in Sungai Petani last month is now also linked to a separate case involving the burial of a fetus at a Muslim cemetery in Kedah.
Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said investigations revealed that the fetus was believed to be the victim’s 12-week pregnancy, which allegedly miscarried following an assault incident in Ambangan Heights, Sungai Petani, on 2 April.
He said the suspect had reportedly confessed during questioning and led police to the burial site at Tanah Perkuburan Islam Masjid Al Ghuffran, Jalan Pegawai, on Thursday.
Police later brought both the suspect and his 39-year-old wife, who is the victim, to the location to assist in identifying the site where the fetus was allegedly buried.
Forensic teams from the Kedah police contingent headquarters were also deployed to excavate the area, where a partially decomposed fetal tissue was discovered.
The remains have been sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis, and investigators will proceed under Section 318 of the Penal Code for concealment of birth if it is confirmed to be human.
Authorities said the victim, who is a civil servant, is currently receiving treatment at Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital in Sungai Petani due to serious injuries sustained during the alleged assault.
The woman was reportedly beaten with various objects, including a clothes hanger, rubber hose and metal curtain rod, resulting in multiple fractures and injuries across her body, as well as a miscarriage.
The suspect was arrested on 28 April at a homestay in Alor Setar and has been remanded for further investigation. Police have also urged other possible victims to come forward to assist in the case.
