SHAH ALAM: Five men cried tears of joy after the High Court acquitted and discharged them over the murder of a 78-year-old woman and voluntarily causing hurt to her grandson in Sabak Bernam five years ago.
The men, 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 the police, they immediately left the courthouse with their respective families.
Judge Nurulhuda Nur'Aini Mohamad Nor freed the quintet after ruling that the defence successfully proved reasonable doubt.
She came to the decision after the court examined evidence notes and the submissions of 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," she said.
The men were accused of murdering 78-year-old 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 him on his left hand, left shoulder and his 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 a maximum of 10 years jail, fine, or whipping if found guilty.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohammed Heikal Ismail prosecuted while the accused were represented by counsels Zaleha Al-Hayat, GS Gabriel, and Dinesh Muthal respectively.
A total of 14 prosecution witnesses and 12 defence witnesses testified throughout the trial which kickstarted on Nov 15, 2021.
After proceedings, Heikal said the prosecution will file an appeal at the Court of Appeal over today's decision.
Met outside court, 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."
