Drunk driver in viral fatal Klang crash charged with murder
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Saktygaanapathy Ravichandran was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for causing the death of motorcyclist Amirul Hafiz Omar, 33.
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KLANG - A 28-year-old man has been charged in the Magistrate’s Court in Klang with the murder of a motorcyclist following a fatal crash on March 29.
Saktygaanapathy Ravichandran was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for causing the death of motorcyclist Amirul Hafiz Omar, 33.
The charge carries the mandatory death penalty, or imprisonment for not less than 30 years and not more than 40 years, as well as not fewer than 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.
Saktygaanapathy, a technician who was still wearing the same white T-shirt he had on the day of the incident, nodded to indicate he understood the charges after they were read to him.
No plea was recorded, as murder cases come under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Saktygaanapathy was also charged under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act for allegedly consuming drugs, namely benzodiazepines (Benzo) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
He pleaded guilty to the drug charge, which carries a fine of up to RM5,000 (S$1,600) or a maximum of two years’ imprisonment if convicted.
In the incident at about 11.40am, the accused is alleged to have driven against the flow of traffic before ramming into the motorcycle Mr Amirul was riding on Jalan Raya Barat.
The impact caused the victim to somersault multiple times in the air before landing on the roof of a passing car. Mr Amirul, a father of three, died at the scene.
The charges were read before Magistrate Khartiyayini Ambualagan. Deputy Public Prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented.
The victim’s wife, Ms Nurul Nadia Abdul Majid, was present in court during the proceedings.
The 32-year-old widow said she was thankful that the legal process was moving forward.
She added that she feels some relief now that the driver involved has been charged with murder.
“I am a little relieved today. I only want to say one thing — an eye for an eye. That’s all,” she told reporters at the lobby of the Klang Court complex after the charges were read on April 1.
Ms Nurul Nadia said she was satisfied with the progress and development of the case so far.
Mr Amirul leaves behind his wife and their three children — Muhammad Aqif Amsyar, nine, Muhammad Afif Izz Rayqal, seven, and Nur Humaira, two. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
