UPNM bullying case: Senior cadet officer claims trial to grievous hurt charge

UPNM bullying case: Senior cadet officer claims trial to grievous hurt charge

KUALA LUMPUR: A Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) cadet has claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to causing hurt to his junior using a steam iron.

Amirul Iskandar Norhanizan, 22, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out to him by the interpreter before judge Egusra Ali.

“I plead not guilty,” he said here on Friday (Nov 8).

According to the charge sheet, Amirul Iskandar allegedly voluntarily caused hurt to Muhammad Salman Mohd Saiful Surash, 20, by using a hot steam iron.

He was accused of committing the offence in a dormitory room at the military academy, UPNM, Kem Sungai Besi at about 11.45pm on Oct 22.

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The accused was charged under Section 324 of the Penal Code, which carries imprisonment of up to 10 years or fine or whipping, or any two of the punishment, if convicted.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Sabri Othman offered a RM30,000 bail in one surety on grounds that Amirul Iskandar had been accused of a serious offence which he committed against a dorm mate.

“The victim suffered a second degree burn. The testimonies in court will prove this offence,” he said.

DPP Sabri said the case was of public interest and would be a point of reference in other bullying cases.

“The high bail amount is also to ensure the accused and his bailor would not take the offence lightly as it is actually under the non-bailable category,” he said.

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The prosecution also asked the court to impose an order for the accused not to come near the witnesses in the case.

Amirul Iskandar, who was unrepresented, pleaded for a lower bail amount.

“I asked for a lower amount because my parents are government pensioners. I am still studying.

“I promise to attend every court date,” he said.

Judge Egusra allowed bail at RM20,000 in two sureties.

She also ordered the accused not to harass the prosecution witnesses.

The case is fixed for mention on Dec 27.

Earlier this month, the police launched an investigation into the alleged bullying and abuse of a UPNM cadet after a police report was lodged by the victim on Nov 1.

In a statement on Oct 30, the Armed Forces said it was investigating the case.

A video of the incident went viral, showing a student pressing a hot iron against another’s chest.