Deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the department has opened a disciplinary investigation paper against a district police chief, a district criminal investigation division chief, and an investigating officer.

They are suspected of non-compliance with standard operating procedures during the investigation into the case.

“The Bukit Aman JIPS officers will travel there within a day or two to record statements from these three officers. The investigation concerns non-compliance with SOPs in the Zara Qairina case and the supervision of investigating officers,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after the launch of the book “Antologi Puisi Makan Suap” at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka last night.

Ayob Khan said strict action would be taken against  investigating officers and supervisors found to have violated the investigation SOPs.

He said that so far, the three senior officers involved are continuing to carry out their duties as usual.

On Wednesday, Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director M Kumar said the initial findings of the Bukit Aman Special Task Force investigation found elements of non-compliance with investigation procedures during the early probe into Zara’s death.

Zara was found unconscious at 4am on July 16 after she allegedly fell from the third floor of her school’s hostel in Papar, Sabah. She died at the Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu the next day.