A 27-year-old man was subjected to severe abuse after allegedly being confined, beaten, and burned by his girlfriend's family members in an incident at Kampung Merotai Besar on Thursday. The victim, however, managed to escape and seek help from the public before lodging a police report.

According to Tawau District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Jasmin Hussin, the ordeal began on Tuesday when the victim received a WhatsApp message from his girlfriend, informing him of her pregnancy. The following day, she sent another message, asking him to come to her house.

According to Sinar Harian, upon his arrival three hours later, the victim claimed he was confined in a room by the woman's father. The situation took a violent turn when the girlfriend's brother allegedly assaulted him with the buckle end of a belt and punched him in the head. The brother also reportedly threatened the victim with a samurai sword.

The victim's girlfriend allegedly pressed a hot iron against his left arm, leaving him with burns.

Describing his escape, Jasmin stated that the victim broke a window and fled to the main road, where he sought help from passersby. He later filed a police report detailing the horrifying incident.

Acting on the victim's report, police officers from the Bombalai Police Station apprehended three suspects a 30-year-old man, a 64-year-old man, and a 25-year-old woman at around 10:30 PM on the same day. The suspects were attempting to flee the area when they were detained.

During the operation, police seized several items believed to have been used in the attack, including an iron, a mobile phone, and a sheathed samurai sword.

Jasmin confirmed that the police are investigating the incident under Sections 324 and 506 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt and making criminal threats.

"The public is advised not to speculate on the matter until the investigation is concluded. Appropriate action will be taken against those involved," he said.

Source: Sinar Harian