Jasin: An unemployed man appeared in the Magistrate's Court today, facing charges of murdering a trader outside a barber shop in Rim two years ago. The accused, P. Kogilanathan, 27, acknowledged the charge read to him by a court interpreter before Magistrate Mazana Sinin.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kogilanathan, along with three other individuals who remain at large, is alleged to have murdered M. Vinurd, 24, outside a barber shop in Taman Rim Baru between 8.39 pm and 11 pm on August 25, 2024. The charge falls under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which stipulates the death penalty or imprisonment ranging from 30 to 40 years, with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane if the death sentence is not applied.

No plea was recorded for the murder charge, as it is under the jurisdiction of the High Court. The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Noor Syazwani Mohamad Yusri, while Nur Aida Md Zainuddin represented the accused.

In a separate case, Kogilanathan pleaded not guilty to a charge of reckless and dangerous driving in Taman Asia Selatan on March 4, 2024, around 7.30 pm. This charge is under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Amendment) 2020, carrying a maximum five-year jail term, fines between RM5,000 and RM15,000, and a minimum five-year driving licence disqualification from the date of conviction.

The court set bail at RM4,000 for the driving charge, but Kogilanathan remains in custody due to the pending murder case. The murder case has been scheduled for mention on August 26.