SHAH ALAM: The High Court here has acquitted and discharged five men accused of killing an elderly woman and injuring her grandson in a house in Sabak Bernam, Selangor five years ago.
The five are S. Kannadasan, E. Venthaan, T. Devaraju and K. Vikkines Varan, all aged 33; and A. Sri Mahavishnu, 42.
Justice Nurulhuda Nur'Aini Mohamad Nor made the decision on Friday (March 29) after concluding that the defence had successfully raised reasonable doubt at the end of its case.
"The main issue in this case was about identity, with the defence presenting alibi notices and witnesses.
"After considering the testimonies from both sides, the court found that the defence successfully raised reasonable doubt,” she said.
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The five men were jointly charged with the murder of P. Runkanaikey, 78, at a house in Jalan Rose Biru, Kampung Tebuk Pulai, Sabak Bernam between 3.30am and 4.30am on Aug 12, 2019.
The charge, framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code read together with Section 34 of the same legislation, carries the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction.
The accused were also charged with injuring N. Silamparasan, 27, by stabbing his left hand, left shoulder and legs on the same date and location, under Section 324 of the Penal Code.
They faced up to 10 years' jail or a fine or whipping, or any two punishments, upon conviction.
DPP Mohammed Heikal Ismail conducted the prosecution while the accused were represented by lawyers Zaleha Al-Hayat, GS Gabriel and Dinesh Muthal.
A total of 14 prosecution witnesses and 12 defence witnesses were called to testify throughout the trial which began on Nov 15, 2021. – Bernama
