Kota kinabalu: A forensic pathologist who conducted the post-mortem on Zara Qairina Mahathir told the Coroner's Court here today that her findings and conclusions in the case were based solely on medical evidence. Dr Jessie Hiu, 58, who has served with the Department of Forensic Medicine at Queen Elizabeth Hospital since 1998, said she was unaware of any VVIP or third-party involvement in the case.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the medical expert was responding to questions from lawyer Datuk Ram Singh, who is representing one of the minors charged with bullying the deceased. Dr Hiu affirmed that her conclusions were based solely on medical expertise and not influenced by allegations of VVIP or third-party involvement. When questioned about the possibility of multiple people carrying Zara and throwing her from a height, Dr Hiu suggested it was feasible but noted the complexity involved in positioning the body correctly.

Further questioning explored whether a blow to the head could have rendered Zara unconscious. Dr Hiu explained that the laceration, along with subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage, caused unconsciousness, casting doubt on the theory that Zara was not conscious before the fall. The pathologist also addressed the severity of Zara's injuries, indicating they were consistent with a fall from a height, though she could not ascertain the exact distance.

The inquest's first witness concluded her testimony today, with proceedings set to resume tomorrow. Zara Qairina died on July 17 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she had been admitted a day earlier after being found unconscious in a drain near her school hostel in Papar. On Aug 8, the Attorney General's Chambers ordered her remains to be exhumed for a post-mortem, before announcing an inquest into her death on Aug 13.