A businessman was today charged with the murder of security guard S. Thava Sagayam, which attracted public outcry.

No plea was recorded from Ahmad Noor Azhar Muhammad, 33, at the Ipoh Magistrate's Court after the charge was read out to him before Magistrate Noor Azreen Liana Mohd Darus.

Ahmad Noor was accused of murdering Thava Sagayam between 8am and 9.30am at the 7th floor of Menara Majestic in Jalan CM Yusuff on December 29 last year.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage of Ahmad Noor being involved in a squabble with Thava Sagayam, before slamming a table on the latter, who falls on the floor, had gone viral on social media. The argument reportedly started after the guard stopped the attacker from letting his child use the swimming pool facilities at the homestay, due to COVID-19 protocols.

Thava Sagayam was found bleeding from the head by a worker at the condominium before being rushed to the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital. He had to undergo eight surgeries, including one to remove part of his skull, since then. He succumbed late last month.

The case was initially classified as voluntarily causing hurt but later reclassified as murder after Thava Sagayam's death.

Under Section 302 of the Penal Code, Ahmad Noor faces the gallow upon conviction.

Lawyer M. Kulasegaran, who held a watching brief for the deceased's family, said they were satisfied with the murder charge, and urged the public to allow the due process of law to take place.


Source: The Star, Malay Mail
Photo source: The Star, Facebook