FOUR teenagers were charged with the murder of T. Nhaveen, 18, in the Magistrate’s Court in George Town today. 

Two of the accused are J. Ragesuthen and S. Gokulan, both 18, while the names of the other two, who are both 16 and in secondary school, have been withheld. 

The four allegedly committed the crime together with a fifth teenager, whose name is also withheld, on June 9, between 11pm and 12.30am, near the Karpal Singh Learning Centre on Jalan Kaki Bukit in Bukit Gelugor. 

None of the four boys had lawyers. They said they understood the charge. 

The offence carries a death penalty. 

No plea was recorded and bail was not offered. 

The fifth teenager was released on bond under Section 118 of Criminal Procedure Code, and would be testifying as the prosecution witness. 

Magistrate Mohamad Amin Shahul Hamid fixed September 28 for mention. 

In another court, the four were also charged with causing grievous hurt with dangerous weapons or means under Section 326 of the Penal Code for beating up 19-year-old T. Previin, who was assaulted together with Nhaveen 

All four appeared calm as they claimed trial for the offence that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, with fine or whipping. 

Sessions Court Judge Irwan Suaibon fixed August 21 for mention pending chemical report. 

He told the four, who were unrepresented, that they could apply for legal aid. 

Previin, who is Nhaveen’s childhood friend, had managed to escape with injuries and aided police in identifying the five suspects. – June 19, 2017.