A 21-year-old businessman, Muhammad Aniq Syabil Mohd Saharil, claimed trial at the Sessions Court today after being charged with two counts of raping an underage girl. The victim, who is 15 years old, is currently 20 weeks pregnant. The accused pleaded not guilty to both charges before Judge Mohd Khairi Haron.
The alleged incidents occurred at a house in Batu Pahat on two separate occasions in July and December of last year. According to police investigations, the accused and the victim had been in a relationship since 2024.
The case was discovered after the teenager sought medical treatment for a fever, only for hospital staff to discover her pregnancy and subsequently notify the authorities.
The charges were framed under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and whipping upon conviction. Deputy Public Prosecutor Diyana Najihah Muhamed Fauzi initially requested bail at RM20,000 for each charge.
However, the court granted bail at a total of RM10,000 for both charges, with the additional conditions that the accused must report to a police station monthly and refrain from contacting any prosecution witnesses.
The court has scheduled March 19 for the submission of documents and the appointment of a defense lawyer.
