A social media influencer pleaded not guilty today at the Magistrate’s Court to a charge of assaulting a fast-food restaurant worker with disabilities during an incident last month.
Nalinee Kothandabani, 41, who works as an IT engineer, is accused of intentionally causing injury to Rani Arumugam, 45, by punching her at a fast-food outlet in Serdang Raya, Seri Kembangan, on Dec 8.
The charge was brought under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum sentence of one year’s imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Syed Ahmed Khabir Abdul Rahman requested bail of RM5,000 with one surety. However, defence counsel Dinesh Muthal appealed for a lower amount, citing his client’s financial responsibilities as the sole breadwinner of her family.
“My client resides in Johor Baru, has cooperated fully with the police investigation, and voluntarily appeared in court today,” the lawyer said.
Magistrate Amira Sariaty Zainal allowed bail at RM2,000 with one surety and fixed March 17 for case mention.
Lavendran Nair appeared as observing counsel representing the victim during the proceedings.
Previously, on Dec 18, police confirmed that a female suspect had been summoned for investigation following reports of an assault on a disabled woman at a fast-food restaurant in Serdang Raya, allegedly stemming from a dispute that began on social media.
Serdang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Muhamad Farid Ahmad said the victim suffered bruises to her left cheek and lips as a result of the incident.
