Cop in Kugan's case acquitted
The Petaling Jaya Sessions Court today acquitted 28-year-old police constable V Navindran charged with causing grievous hurt to detainee A Kugan, without his defence being called.
The Petaling Jaya Sessions Court today acquitted 28-year-old police constable V Navindran charged with causing grievous hurt to detainee A Kugan, without his defence being called.
Sessions judge Aslam Zainuddin said the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie case against the accused.
"Hence, the accused is acquitted and discharged," he announced.
Navindran, had claimed trial on Oct 1, 2009 to a charge of causing grievous hurt to the 23-year-old victim, who died in custody from alleged police torture.
He was alleged to have committed the offence at the interrogation room of the Taipan police station in USJ-Subang Jaya at 7am on Jan 16, 2009.
The charge under Section 331 of the Penal Code carries a jail term of 10 years and a fine upon conviction.
Navindran also pleaded not guilty to two alternative charges under Section 330 of the Penal Code to causing hurt to Kugan at the same time and place.
The 25-day trial, which started on Feb 18, 2010, saw 24 witnesses taking the stand.
Navindran was represented by PM Nagarajan while the prosecution was led by DPP Mohd Abazafree Mohd Abbas.
The post-mortem report had revealed that 22-year-old Kugan had endured severe beatings and was also starved during his incarceration.
Kugan, died under mysterious circumstances and his body was placed at the Serdang Hospital when outraged family members and two deputy ministers barged into the mortuary.
The controversy over his death resulted in Navindran being charged.
Cop hopes to resume duty
Navindran, when met outside the court, said he was elated by the decision.
"I want to thank family members for their support and my lawyers for helping me in this case. I hope to resume my duties at the police station soon,” said the constable, who is attached to the police’s D9 serious crimes unit.
Navindran was suspended from duty after he was charged in October 2009.
Despite allegations that more than one police officer were involved in the Kugan beating, only Navindran was hauled to court.
