Lorry driver pleads not guilty to abducting two boys

A lorry driver pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court in Ayer Keroh here today two charges in connection with the abduction of two boys seven years ago.

On the first count, K. Bala Subramaniam, 42, was charged under Section 361 of the Penal Code with kidnapping a boy, aged 12 then, from his lawful guardian, S. Selvaraj, 50, at Taman Seri Hilir, On Lok, Batang Melaka, Jasin here, between 6.30 pm and 8 pm on Sept 2, 2010.

He was also charged under Section 362 of the same law with the abduction of another boy, aged 15, by inducing the boy to go to an oil palm plantation, at a house in Taman Seri Hilir, Jasin here, at the same time and date.

Both the charges are punishable under Section 363 of the same Act which provides an imprisonment for up to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine, if found guilty.

Deputy public prosecutor Siti Ruvinna Mohd Rawi, who prosecuted, did not offer bail for fear that the accused would disturb witnesses in the case. Bala Subramaniam was unrepresented.

Judge Meor Sulaiman Ahmad Tarmizi set Aug 2 for mention.

-- BERNAMA