Nine men plead not guilty to possession of weapon at riot in Taman Ayer Merbau

MELAKA - Nine men were charged in the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court here today with possession of weapons during a riot at the Taman Ayer Merbau intersection, Jasin, last Sept 11.

P. Kogilanathan, 24, A. Loges, 30, V. Megan, 26, R. Thiven, 26, D. Mahendran, 43, P. Thanabalan, 33, N. Murthy, 37, D. Thivendran, 33 dan M. Kugan, 28, pleaded not guilty to the charge before judge Elesabet Paya Wan.

They were charged with possession of weapons such as wooden sticks, iron roads and machetes during the riot at the Taman Ayer Merbau intersection, Jasin, at 12.32 am last Sept 11.

The charge, framed under Section 148 of the Penal Code, provides imprisonment for up to five years or a fine or both, upon conviction.

Kogilanathan is also charged with two counts of voluntarily causing grievous hurt by using a machete on Mahendran and Murthy at the same time, place and date.

The charge, under Section 326 of the Penal Code, provides imprisonment for up to 20 years and a fine or whipping, if found guilty.

Kogilanathan, represented by lawyer Jason Anthony, was allowed bail of RM12,000 for both charges.

On the charge of possessing weapons at a riot, Kogilanatham and the other eight accused were allowed bail of RM7,000 each.

The court set Nov 7 for mention.

Prosecuting officer ASP Nora Yaacob prosecuted, while lawyer V. Segaran represented Loges, Megan, Thiven and Kugan.

The other accused, namely Mahendran, Thanabalan, Murthy and Thivendran, were represented by lawyer S.A. Amritpal Singh. - BERNAMA