On the afternoon of 28/11/2024, the Security Investigation Agency of Ha Tinh Provincial Police announced an additional charge against Nguyen Van Nam, 31, residing in Co Dam commune. The decision is based on Article 304 of the Penal Code.
The additional charge stems from the discovery of military-grade weapons at Nam's residence. According to the investigation agency, during the resolution of the "Intentional Injury" case involving Nam's abuse of his stepdaughter, authorities conducted an urgent search of the suspect's residence in Co Dam commune, formerly part of Nghi Xuan district. They seized an air rifle, 113 cm long, and 141 lead pellets. The forensic report concluded that the seized items are military weapons, managed under Circular 75/2024.
Nam admitted to purchasing the weapon online. He stated his intention was to use it for bird hunting.
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The gun Nam bought for bird hunting. Photo: Hung Le |
The abuse incident, which led to Nam's initial arrest, occurred on the evening of 18/10/2024. When his wife was away, Nam took his stepdaughter to a rented house in Phu Hoa hamlet, Co Dam commune. Believing the girl was lying and not answering to his liking, Nam became angry. He used his hands, a wooden stick, and a hammer to hit her head, causing severe injuries. He then bandaged her himself before going to sleep.
The next morning, the severity of the girl's injuries became apparent. Nam went to work, locking the girl inside the house. The victim opened a window to call for help, was discovered by relatives, and taken to the emergency room. The girl suffered multiple injuries and required 7 stitches to her head. That same evening, Nam was arrested by police while hiding on his mother's rooftop.
Local authorities confirmed a history of abuse. According to them, Nam had repeatedly abused the girl and was warned last year.
Nam was initially prosecuted for intentional injury on 23/10/2024. He was detained by Ha Tinh Provincial Police under Article 134 of the Penal Code.
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Suspect Nam at the time of his arrest. Photo: Provided by Police |
The victim, a 10-year-old girl, is a 5th-grade student at Co Dam Primary School. Her mother, Ban Thi Binh, 29, resides in Son La province. Binh married Nam in 2022. The couple had two children and were renting a house in Phu Hoa hamlet.
After receiving medical treatment, the girl has relocated. She was treated at Vinh City General Hospital from 19/10/2024. By the end of October 2024, after her wounds had stabilized, she was discharged. She has since moved back to live and study in her maternal hometown in Son La province.
Duc Hung
