In a statement, Mukah police chief Rizal Alias said all five suspects, who are in Form 5, were arrested after a police report was lodged on Wednesday, Borneo Post reported.

“The first incident occurred on March 25 at the male dormitory of the school around 9.30pm when the victim was allegedly assaulted by the suspects, who accused him of having lost their trousers which he was washing.

“The assault left the victim with injuries to his chest and back,” he was quoted as saying.

According to Rizal, the victim was assaulted a second time by the same five suspects the following night and this resulted in further injuries to his chest, abdomen and private part.

“The victim was sent to Bintulu Hospital for examination and further treatment. All of the suspects are under a four-day remand to facilitate further investigation under sections 506, 377CA and 323 of the Penal Code.

Section 506 involves criminal intimidation; Section 377CA, sexual connection by object; and Section 323, voluntarily causing hurt.

Rizal also advised the public against speculating on the case, and assured that police would take stern action based on the provisions of the law.