A couple who lived in Yuzana Garden City and was arrested last month for physically abusing their teenage housemaid was granted bail earlier this week, police have confirmed.
On June 4, married duo Tun Tun, 32, and Myat Noe Thu, 30, were arrested after neighbors went to police with proof that they had been torturing their 13-year-old housemaid. According to the girl, the couple would often beat her, prick her lips with needles, brand her with a clothing iron, and pour boiling water on her. The police found burn marks on the victim’s chest, back, arms, and thighs, and the couple was immediately arrested.
This past Monday however, the charges under which the couple were being prosecuted were modified, and consequently, they were granted bail.
Tun Tun and Myat Noe Thu had initially been brought to court under Sections 114 (“Abettor present when offence is committed”), 325 (“Punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt”), and 326 (“Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means”). However, on Monday, the charges were changed to Sections 114, 323 (“Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt”), and 324 (“Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means”). Because they were no longer being prosecuted for causing grievous hurt, they were also granted bail.
The investigating officer handling the case stated that the decision came after the official medical report was released, and told Kumudra: “We’re handling the case in accordance with the medical examiner’s report and advice.”
However, Myo Tint Naing, one of the plaintiff’s lawyers, protested that the decision was unjust considering the severity of the abuse. He said: “The child had burn marks all over her body. However, the justice system made this decision [to grant bail] so there’s nothing we can do.”
A court date for the case has also yet to be set.
