The accused are N. Nithiyan, 39; S. Logan, 32; R. Parthipan, 32; M. Keshava Nair, 30; A. Balamurugan, 40; V.S. Wilbert, 46; M. Ramakrishnan, 45; R.E. Mohan, 34; M. Thanasekaran, 44; Edward Liew, 49; and S. Manoraj, 28; M. Amaran, 30; S. Hemanathan, 31; K. Thana Seelan, 38; K. Ravishankara, 43; Muhammad Razi Abdullah, 51; G. Deeneskumar, 29; K. Venaigaraj, 32; A. Kogilan, 26; and M. Tineshkumar, 26.
All the men nodded in understanding as the charges were read to them individually before Judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya.
No pleas were recorded, however, because the charges fall under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), which is under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
According to the charges, they allegedly committed the offences at a seafood restaurant in Sungai Janggut, Kuala Selangor, from November 2019 until May 2 this year.
The charges were filed under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code (Act 574), which carries a prison sentence of between five and 20 years upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutors Shafiq Hashim, Lina Hanini Ismail, and Syafinas Shabudin appeared for the prosecution.
Fourteen of the accused were represented by lawyers Ayasamy Velu, Naizatul Zamrina Karizaman, Revin Kumar, and S. Vinesh, while the remaining six were unrepresented.
The court then set June 26 for the next case mention to transfer proceedings to the High Court.
Earlier, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain reported that police had arrested 21 individuals suspected of being involved with the organised crime syndicate TR Gang during Op Lima in Selangor, Johor, and Pahang on May 3.
He mentioned that one individual could not be charged in court as he was currently receiving treatment at the National Heart Institute.
Mohd Shuhaily added that the police are now tracking down another 10 members of the gang who are still at large.
-- BERNAMA
