The owner of a Kampong Cham province duck farm cut off a woman’s left hand after she allegedly tried to steal 29 eggs.

Lay Nguon, chief of Krouch Chhmar District Police, said that a 51-year old Mang Phal had her hand amputated by farmer Nuth Sok Khim at a farm in Peus commune in Krouch Chhmar district.

“She allegedly stole the duck eggs from this farm every night. Her hand was cut because she stole them. She now has been sent to stay at the provincial hospital for treatment,” he said yesterday.

He added that she would be arrested and charged with stealing of duck eggs when in the coming days. “I am now asking the prosecutor in issuing her warrant arrest. She will be arrested and charged with stealing of duck eggs,” he said.

Mang Phal and her family members could not reach for comment yesterday.

Phoung Sohea, rights group Adhoc’s monitor in Kampong Cham, said that he was not aware of the crime. “I think that it is very cruel that a woman’s hand was cut off – she only stole duck eggs,” he said. He added that his organisation would conduct an investigation over the case.