Accused refutes ‘revenge’ claim

Alleged murderer denies telling former employer: ‘I will sort you out in court’

SHAH ALAM: The fourth accused in the murder trial of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and her three aides denied making up stories to exact revenge on former employer N. Pathmanabhan.

Pathmanabhan’s lawyer Manjeet Singh Dhillon suggested that R. Kathavarayan, 32, changed his evidence in court last Dec 3 because of bad blood between him and his former boss who had asked for the return of his bungalow.

Kathavarayan’s first wife and five children have been staying at Pathmanabhan’s bungalow in Sepang since 2010.

“No. He (Pathmanabhan) did not say that,” the accused told the High Court during cross-examination yesterday.

Kathavarayan testified on Dec 3 that Pathmanabhan was at Ladang Gadong on Aug 30, 2010, the night of the alleged murders.

Pathmanabhan, 43, has consistently denied being at the farm between 8.30pm and 9.45pm that day.

Manjeet: I put it to you, you used (second accused) T. Thilaiyalagan to persuade Pathmanabhan not to ask your family to move out, but Thilaiyalagan refused to get involved.

Kathavarayan: I disagree.

Manjeet: I put it to you, you asked Pathmanabhan for money to buy your family a house so they could move into it. You asked for RM100,000 but Pathmanabhan turned you down. Kathavarayan: I disagree. Manjeet: You then threatened Pathmanabhan, “I will sort you out in court.” Kathavarayan: I disagree. Kathavarayan said he asked his wife to move out of the bungalow and go to her mother’s house about five or six months ago but was unsure if his family had left the place as he had not been in communication with his wife.

Manjeet further suggested that Kathavarayan, who lodged a police report over concerns for his family’s safety on Dec 3, 2012, was a manipulator who “changed stories” to his benefit.

Manjeet: Who were you afraid of? Who would harm your wife and children? Pathmanabhan? Kathavarayan: Yes. Manjeet: And your wife is staying at his house? Kathavarayan: Yes. Manjeet: You are worried about your wife and children when they are still staying at his house today? I say your police report is a load of rubbish! Kathavarayan: I disagree. At one point during the intense grilling, Kathavarayan appeared weak and in discomfort.

When asked if he wanted to take a break from the cross-examination, the accused said he would continue, causing Manjeet to lash out at the accused, calling him a “drama king” who faked illness for sympathy.

Kathavarayan also denied witnesses’ testimony that his sister and her family had come to the farm on Aug 30, 2010.

“No, it’s a lie. This was coached by the lawyer,” he said.

Justice Akhtar Tahir then asked which lawyer he was referring to, and Kathavarayan replied: “My previous lawyer Ravi Nekoo.”

The hearing continues.