Muhammad Jaya Murugan being taken to court on June 15. – BERNAMApic
KOTA BARU: A member of the Kuala Krai district council pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here Sunday (June 15) to a charge of raping a 29-year-old woman who was also his employee.
Muhammad Jaya Murugan Abdullah, 47, claimed trial after the charge was read to him before Sessions judge Zulkifli Abdullah.
According to the charge, the alleged offence took place at a laundromat on Jalan KCP 2, Krai Central Park, at 2pm on May 29.
He was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum imprisonment of 20 years and caning, if convicted.
Lawyer Ariff Azami Hussein, representing the accused, applied for bail on the grounds that his client has no criminal record, is a community leader, and is active in business and social initiatives.
"The accused has 12 children, including two stepchildren, and is supporting 10 who are still in school.
"The proposed surety is his brother, who works as a plantation manager. Our client is also willing to report regularly to the police station,” the lawyer said.
However, DPP Kamarul Hasyime Rosli objected to the bail application, citing the seriousness of the charge, and proposed a sum of RM30,000 with additional conditions.
The court then set bail at RM15,000 with two local sureties and imposed additional conditions.
The accused was ordered to surrender his passport to the court and report to police every two months pending disposal of the case, and was strictly prohibited from harassing the alleged victim in any way.
The court also fixed July 15 for mention. – Bernama
