Doctor Pleads Not Guilty to Rape and Unnatural Intercourse Charges
Charges and Evidence
Dr. Mohd Rafi’uddin Hamidon, a 35-year-old doctor, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of rape and engaging in unnatural intercourse with a 21-year-old clinic assistant last Saturday. The alleged incidents took place in a storage room at a clinic in Pantai Dalam between 4:00 and 5:00 am on March 15.
The first charge is under Section 375(b) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and caning upon conviction. The second charge is under Section 377C of the Penal Code, which is punishable with a prison sentence of between five and 20 years and caning upon conviction.
Bail Application
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nidzuwan Abd Latip did not offer bail, citing the seriousness of the offense and its non-bailable nature. However, the accused’s lawyer, Adi Zulkarnain Zulkafli, appealed for bail on the grounds that his client is financially responsible for his wife and three children, including a newborn. The lawyer added that they had no objections if additional conditions were imposed on the accused.
Court Ruling
Judge Mohd Zaki Mohd Salleh granted bail at RM18,000 with one surety and ordered the accused to surrender his passport, report to the nearest police station twice a month, and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses. The court set April 23 for case mention to facilitate the submission of documents.
Conclusion
Dr. Mohd Rafi’uddin Hamidon has pleaded not guilty to two serious charges of rape and unnatural intercourse. The case will proceed, with the next hearing set for April 23. The accused has been granted bail, but with conditions to ensure he does not flee or exert any influence on the witnesses.
FAQs
- What are the charges against Dr. Mohd Rafi’uddin Hamidon?
- Two counts of rape and engaging in unnatural intercourse with a clinic assistant
- What is the maximum sentence for the charges?
- 20 years imprisonment and caning for the first charge, and a prison sentence of between five and 20 years and caning for the second charge
- Why did the deputy public prosecutor not offer bail?
- The seriousness of the offense and its non-bailable nature
- What were the conditions imposed on the accused’s bail?
- Bail of RM18,000 with one surety, surrender of passport, reporting to the nearest police station twice a month, and refraining from contacting prosecution witnesses