The inquest into the death of Form 1 student Zara Qairina, held throughout September, examined the cause of her injuries and the circumstances surrounding her final days at school.
Medical and forensic experts testified that Zara’s injuries were not caused by a beating, with no barcode-like marks found. A neurosurgeon confirmed her condition had been explained to her mother. Witnesses said there were no formal bullying reports, and no students were seen in the early hours when Zara was found injured.
The court heard that Zara was repeatedly accused of theft, including shortly before her death. On her last day, she cried and denied stealing before being seen entering a toilet. Testimony also revealed that students were barred from contacting their families, and some were instructed to clean a pool of blood at the scene.
Witnesses described a school environment where insults were common, students had searched Zara’s locker on their own, and staff members faced backlash over the handling of the case. A close friend saw Zara shortly before the ambulance arrived, and it was disclosed that Zara had earlier spoken about a previous fall from the third floor.
The proceedings raised ongoing concerns about school conduct, student treatment, and unanswered questions surrounding Zara Qairina’s death.
Witnesses testified that Zara was questioned multiple times by seniors over alleged theft, including on the night of July 15, when a group referred to as “Circle Nineteen” met with her. A senior told the court that scolding juniors was a long-standing school practice, and evidence showed Zara was insulted for refusing to admit to stealing a flag pin. One witness said no one consoled Zara after she was questioned by seniors, while others said students commonly referred to her as “the problematic Zara.”
Further testimony revealed that Zara had allowed her roommate to read her diary, and that stolen items were later found among her belongings. However, witnesses also described her as looking pale and unwell in a dormitory toilet shortly before her death, and some were shocked by farewell-like statements she made.
The court also heard conflicting portrayals of Zara, including claims that she often took other students’ belongings, alongside testimony that she was very close to her mother. In the final hearings, it emerged that six junior students had conducted a spot check of Zara’s belongings, adding to concerns about peer actions and school practices leading up to her death.
The court heard that Zara’s diaries were searched after she was discovered unconscious. A teacher later testified that Zara had written about family problems in her diary. Testimony also revealed that some senior students became depressed after being linked to the case.
On November 24, witnesses said the school had introduced improved safety measures following Zara’s death. A teacher recounted the immediate events after the incident and denied any attempt to cover up what had occurred. Lawyers representing parties in the inquest maintained that the proceedings had not delayed justice for Zara.
Overall, the November hearings focused on post-incident conduct, student impact, and institutional changes following the tragedy.
The inquest into Zara Qairina's death is temporarily stopped to make way for criminal trial of five teenage students and teachers testifying under strict gag orders, the quest for answers remains on hold until proceedings resume in January 2026.
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