Ampang: A caretaker at an unregistered children's home pleaded guilty in two Sessions Courts in Ampang today to 15 counts of physical and non-physical sexual assault, as well as acts against the order of nature involving five boys.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Retna Velu, 25, made the plea after the charges were read to him in Tamil by an interpreter before Judges Norshila Kamarudin and Ho Kwong Chin. The charges against him include sexual offences committed against boys aged between eight and 13 at a welfare home in Batu Caves between November 2025 and March 27, 2026.
The charges for physical sexual assault fall under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which allows for a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment and possible whipping upon conviction. For non-physical sexual assault, the charges are framed under Section 15(a)(i) of the same law, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment, or a fine of up to RM20,000, or both.
Retna also faces three additional charges under Section 377C of the Penal Code for acts against the order of nature involving two of the children, with potential sentences ranging from five to 20 years' imprisonment and whipping. Bail was denied for Retna pending the presentation of facts and sentencing set for May 21.
Meanwhile, the owner of the home, S. Valan, 31, pleaded not guilty to four charges of sexual assault against boys aged 13 to 16 at the welfare home and another premises in Kalumpang. His charges fall under Sections 14(a) and 14(b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, also punishable by up to 20 years' imprisonment and whipping.
Valan was granted bail of RM30,000, with the case mention scheduled for June 10. Deputy public prosecutors Muhammad Hairul Iqram Hairuddin and Nadiah Malek Fauzie represented the prosecution, while Valan is defended by lawyers Amalia Daud and R. Roshini. Retna Velu remains unrepresented.
The court proceedings were witnessed by lawyers S. Kirthen and S. Premila, holding a watching brief for the complainant and the Pertubuhan Kebangkitan Tiga Tangan Selangor. Tension mounted as victims' family members approached the accused, although the situation calmed once court proceedings began.
Previously, four suspects, including the facility's operator and a 17-year-old resident, were arrested in connection with the case. On April 3, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri confirmed that the Batu Caves children's home, allegedly operating for a decade, was under investigation for abuse allegations. Nancy stated that the home was unregistered, violating the Care Centres Act 1993, and action was initiated by the Gombak Social Welfare Office after a report was received on March 30.