Sometimes, the perceived senselessness of acts of violence makes us want to give up hope in humanity. One such incident in Penang occurred when a 39-year-old sales promoter caused serious injury to a man with Down’s Syndrome.

On April 19, Oo Saw Kee, a sales promoter was in a lift with the victim, 33-year-old A. Solairaj when she suddenly took out a thermos from her bag and splashed him with hot water. The incident happened at an apartment in Bayan Lepas, Penang. As reported by The Star, the 20-second video went viral on social media, with netizens condemning her actions.

According to Scoop, police investigations have revealed that the woman’s actions stemmed from a previous disagreement involving a sensitive matter three or four years ago. The pair knew each other as they resided in the same building.

Solairaj’s sister had filed a police report after he complained about the incident to her. He is still being treated at the Penang General Hospital after sustaining 6% to 8% burns on his right shoulder, back, and neck.

The Lament of a Sister

A witness impact statement written by Solairaj’s sister read in the court said, “My brother is disabled, and mentally he is a bit different from normal persons. The injuries he sustained will be there for the rest of his life. Prior to the incident, he was independent and could do things on his own. But now he gets emotional easily and keeps asking what he has done wrong. Since his admission to the hospital, I have had to drive back and forth to care for him. We are not well-off and the hospital is far, but I have to do this for my brother.”

Justice Meted Out

After pleading guilty, she was sentenced to 10 years in jail and fined RM6,000 in default of 12 months in jail. The charge, framed under Section 326 of the Penal Code for causing serious injury by using a weapon, provides imprisonment for up to 20 years and a fine, or whipping, if found guilty. Oo showed no emotion when the sentence was read by Sessions Court judge Ahzal Fariz Ahmad Khairuddin. He also said that her actions against a disabled person were “serious, cruel, and inhumane. There was no provocation on the part of the victim in this incident.”

What a horrible incident, we hope that the victim will recover both physically and mentally from it!

Featured Image Credit: Oriental Daily, Must Share News