DANCER AND AUXILIARY POLICEMAN CHARGED WITH INJURING SRI LANKAN NATIONALS

SELAYANG (Malaysia), Sept 7 (Bernama) -- A cultural dancer and an auxiliary
policeman pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate's Court here today to nine
charges which included forcing three Sri Lankan men to commit gross indecency
with another person.

On the first three charges, M. Elil Valavan, 20, and A. Francis
Xavier, 22, are charged with another person still at large, with voluntarily
causing hurt by using pipes, wire cables and a burner on Samsudeen Seiyadu Ana
Mohamadu, Mohammad Mihilar Noor Mohamed Thashin and Sehu Mohidden Sharifdeen
Sahid.

The offence carries an imprisonment of up to three years or with fine or
both, if found guilty.

On the fourth to the sixth count, they are charged with wrongfully confining
the three Sri Lankan men for purpose of extorting money from their families, an
offence which carries a jail term of up to three years and fine, if found
guilty.

On the seventh to the ninth charge, the duo are charged with forcing the
three men to perform gross indecency.

The offence carries a jail term of up to two years, upon conviction.

All the offences were allegedly committed at the Flat Cempaka Jalan Nenas,
Tanah Gantian Sungai Tua, Gombak, between 7pm on Aug 26 and 6.30pm on Aug 28
this year.

Magistrate Muhammad Najib Ismail allowed them bail of RM3,000 (US$959) with
one surety on each charge and set Oct 22 for mention.

Deputy public prosecutor Nur Hidayah Raihan Md Nasir prosecuted, while Elil
and Francis were represented by lawyer S.Chelavarajan.

-- BERNAMA