Workshop owner pleads not guilty to slashing charge

A workshop owner pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to charges of causing grievous hurt to a man by slashing him with a machete. The accused, K. Devaidran, 42, denied the charge of intentionally causing severe injury to B. Kartigeyen, 39, by slashing his body, legs, and hands with a machete near Kampung Bunga Melur, Batu 14.

The incident allegedly occurred around 11:30 p.m. on January 25 last year. The charge falls under Section 326 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a fine, or whipping.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Amir Saifullah Mohammad Sallehuddin proposed bail at RM20,000 with additional conditions, including reporting to the nearest police station and not disturbing prosecution witnesses, especially the victim. However, the defense lawyer, Mohd. Safwan Saleh, requested a lower bail amount, citing the accused's dependents and his wife's health condition. The lawyer mentioned that Devaidran has a child and his wife requires recovery after hip surgery. Furthermore, his car workshop had to close, making it difficult for him to afford high bail costs.

The court ultimately granted bail at RM10,000 with one surety and approved the additional conditions set by the prosecution. The case is scheduled for a further mention on August 13. In a separate case at the same court, a salesman received a 10-year prison sentence and two strokes of the cane for severely injuring a motorcyclist last month.