Svay Rieng provincial police have arrested a private medical practitioner and sent him to court after a young boy died following an injection.

The incident took place on February 12 in Kandal village of Romduol district’s Svay Chek commune. The accused was identified as Vat Chanthorn, 36, a resident of the village, while the victim was a 7-year-old named Chiek Nadeth from Thmey village of the same commune.

Deputy district police chief So Ath told The Post on February 14 that police had detained the man after conducting a forensic examination.

He said the district police referred him to court on February 13 for involuntary manslaughter.

“We conducted the investigation and then, in coordination with the prosecutor, we made an arrest. The rest is for the court to decide,” he said.

Citing the victim’s relatives, So Ath said the accused had examined the boy and gave him an injection. The boy suffered a seizure and passed away immediately after the injection.

Provincial health department director Ke Ratha told The Post on February 14 the department had sent officials to conduct a forensic examination.

“The suspect was a recognised and certified medical practitioner. We have sent a team to the province to investigate this case. We cannot conclude that this death was due to an error by until we have conducted our investigation,” he said.