MELAKA: A 38-year-old man who went into hiding for three months after allegedly raping and impregnating his teenage daughter has finally been caught.
State police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Zainol Samah said the suspect was arrested in Kampung Kelemak Dalam at midnight on Tues (Feb 6).
He said police launched a manhunt for the suspect, a labourer, after a Melaka Hospital medical officer lodged a police report last October after discovering that a 16-year-old patient had been raped.
DCP Zainol said the suspect has a criminal record of six drug-related offences.
He said the victim initially sought treatment at the Durian Tunggal Health Clinic here on Oct 11, 2023.
DCP Zainol added that clinic staff discovered the teenager was pregnant and referred her to the Melaka Hospital on the same day. She gave birth to a girl on Feb 5.
He said the suspect has been remanded for a week to assist the investigation under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code.