POLICE in Mondulkiri province yesterday questioned and released an ethnic Phnong woman accused of attacking a malaria patient who was nine months pregnant with boiling hot water, causing serious burns to the victim’s face and torso.

So Sovan, the deputy provincial police chief, said investigators believed Tok Yob, 38, had carried out the attack, but that she was released because she has five young children to care for.

“We questioned her and then released her because we knew that she had five little children. So we will let the court decide,” he said. The case was to be forwarded to the provincial court today.

Police suspect Tok Yob attacked the victim, 31-year-old Yun Sren Mom, out of jealousy.

Yun Sren Mom is married to Chuos Ngeuy, who was first married to Tok Yob and never divorced her, though they now live apart. Tok Yob cares for their five children.

On Tuesday afternoon, Tok Yob went to the house where Chuos Nguey lives with Yun Sren Mom, demanded that Yun Sren Mom pay US$10,000 to support the five children and attacked her with water when she refused.

Tok Yob could not be reached. The family of Yun Sren Mom has asked for $5,000 in compensation.