TWO police lance corporals were charged at Ayer Keroh Sessions Court in Malacca today with gang robbery of an Indonesian woman, early this month.

T.S. Praveen, 31, and Muhammad Safri Idris, 31, pleaded not guilty after the charge against them was read before Judge Darmafikri Abu Adam.

The pair were accused of robbing Anisa, taking away her belongings worth RM1,800 and her passport.

The offence was allegedly committed between 10pm and 11.30am at a budget hotel in AMT Hotel Plaza Mahkota, Melaka Tengah, on April 3.

The charge, framed under section 395 of the penal code, provides an imprisonment for up to 20 years and whipping, if found guilty.

Additionally, the officers were also charged for possession of a passport without authority on the roadside in Kota Melaka at the same time and date.

The offence committed under section 12(1)(f) of the Passports Act and read together with section 34 of the penal code, provides for up to five years in prison and a fine of up to RM10,000, or both, upon conviction.

Darmafikri allowed RM9,000 bail each and also ordered them to report at the nearest police station every month until the disposal for the case.

The court also fixed May 23 for mention.

Deputy public prosecutor N. Sivashangari prosecuted, while lawyer Andrew Lourdes represented the accused. – Bernama, April 13, 2023.