Kalasin: A village chief has been apprehended on suspicion of raping an 18-year-old female school student in December resulting in her death, police said Monday.
A team of more than 50 police arrested Krittidech Rawengwan, 34, of Ban Si Than in Kalasin's Kamalasai district Monday at a military conscription draw which he attended with a large crowd of residents.
The suspect was detained and whisked away, leaving the crowd stunned.
On Dec 23, Ruadeewan Polprasit died after being severely beaten during a struggle with a man who attempted to rape her in an isolated spot on Ban Si Than-Ban Non Muang Road, police said. They say the girl was travelling home from school when her attacker kicked over her motorbike and dragged her into a rice field.
The girl fought back and was seriously injured, dying two days later from her injuries.
A forensic examination showed her liver had been ruptured as a result of the attack, police said.
Following news of the student's death, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha stressed to police they had to bring the culprit to justice. A three-month investigation by 200 officers followed.
Pol Gen Chalermkiat Srivorakhan, the deputy national police chief, admitted the probe took some time, but said police wanted to make sure they had secured solid evidence. Police have charged Mr Krittidech with rape and physical assault, causing death. He has denied any wrongdoing.
The evidence against Mr Krittidech include human bite marks, believed to be the victim's, on the suspect's right thumb, said Pol Gen Chalermkiat.
The suspect, meanwhile, claimed he had been bitten by a vole, Pol Gen Chalermkiat said.