KUALA LUMPUR: A BMW driver, allegedly linked to a viral video showing a motorcycle being hit from behind, resulting in the death of a 7-year-old girl last Friday, was charged at the magistrate's court here today (Nov 19).
The accused, P. Kuhan Raj, 31, a mobile phone shop trader, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read before magistrate Haneefa Ariffin.
According to the charge, he was accused of driving a BMW recklessly, causing the death of a motorcycle pillion rider, Nur Naura Nathifa Mohd El-Khuwailid, 7, on the Bukit Jalil to Puchong Highway around 9.50pm on Nov 15.
The accused was charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000 and imprisonment of five to 10 years upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Salsabila Mohammad proposed bail of RM10,000 with one surety.
However, the accused's lawyer, Inderpal Singh, requested a lower bail amount, citing his client as the sole breadwinner of the family.
"The accused supports his wife, their two children, aged 2 and 4, and his elderly parents," the lawyer said.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Haneefa set bail at RM12,000 and ordered the accused's driving licence to be suspended immediately until the case is resolved.
The court fixed Jan 12 for the next case mention.
It was reported that a 7-year-old pillion rider was killed after the motorcycle she was on with her parents was hit from behind.
Following the incident, all three victims were taken to the hospital by passers-by, but the child was pronounced dead while receiving treatment.