5 acquitted of murdering elderly woman
Five men cried tears of joy after the High Court acquitted and discharged them of the murder of a 78-year-old woman and voluntarily causing hurt to her grandson in Sabak Bernam five years ago.
A. Sri Mahavishnu, 42, S. Kannadasan, E. Venthaan, T. Devaraju, and K. Vikkines Varan, all aged 33, rushed to the public gallery to hug their family members who were also in tears after proceedings ended.
After their handcuffs were removed by police, they left the courthouse with their families.
Judge Nurulhuda Nur’Aini Mohamad Nor freed the five after ruling that the defence had successfully raised reasonable doubt at the end of its case.
She came to the decision after the court examined evidence notes and submissions from both parties.
“The court decided that in this case, the main issue is related to identity. The defence presented their notice of alibi and witnesses.
“After considering the case of both parties, the court found that the defence succeeded in raising reasonable doubt.
“Therefore, the court acquits and releases all of the accused.”
The men were accused of murdering P. Runkanaikey at a house in Kampung Tebuk Pulai, Sabak Bernam, on Aug 12, 2019 between 3.30am and 4.30am.
They were also charged with
voluntarily causing hurt to N. Silamparasan, 22, by slashing his left hand, left shoulder and legs at the same place and time.
The charges under Section 302 and Section 324 of the Penal Code for murder and voluntarily causing hurt carries a mandatory death sentence or lifetime imprisonment, as well as up to 10 years’ jail, a fine or whipping if found guilty.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohammed Heikal Ismail prosecuted. The accused were represented by Zaleha Al-Hayat, G.S.
Gabriel and Dinesh Muthal.
Fourteen prosecution witnesses and 12 defence witnesses testified during the trial that began on Nov 15, 2021.
Heikal said the prosecution would file an appeal at the Court of Appeal.
Runkanaikey’s daughter, who did not want to be named, said she was disappointed with the ruling.
“I wanted to scream out loud when I heard the decision. My late mother was innocent and she did not offend anybody.”