The Star reported that Mohd Izhrifikri Roslee, 29, was charged with causing the deaths of Nik Muhammad Baihaqy Nik Mat, 28, and Muhammad Lailaltuiman Mohd Sukri, 26, at the training field of the Sungai Wangi Navy Communications Centre between 10.30am and 3.20pm on Sept 29.
Two other detention room guards were also charged with voluntarily causing hurt to the deceased, the report added.
The two, Hamzah Zakaria @Ali, 35, and Mohd Farid Musa, 32, claimed trial to the charges.
Hamzah was accused of assaulting the two navy men at the walkway in front of a detention room on Sept 29, while Farid was charged with assaulting Baihaqyat at the guard post of the detention centre the day before.
Magistrate Nur Shaqira Ibrahim set Oct 30 for mention of the charges against Hamzah and Farid, and Dec 12 for mention of the murder charges against Izhrifikri.
Bail was set at RM4,000 with one surety each for each charge against Hamzah and Farid.
The report quoted lawyer Zalil Mohd Mess as saying that representation has been made with the Attorney-General’s Chambers to have the murder case heard in the military court.
Following the deaths of Baihaqy and Lailaltuiman, the navy released a statement saying that they had died after experiencing vomiting, exhaustion and shortness of breath due to physical training.
However, Perak Criminal Investigation head Gan Tian Kee said police believed the two navy personnel had been tortured.
The case, which was initially classified as sudden death, was reclassified as murder based on the post-mortem report from the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh, which revealed signs of abuse and injuries on the men’s bodies.
The post-mortem also contradicted the navy, which had said that initial checks by its doctor on duty showed that “there was no sign of beating or physical abuse on the bodies of the two personnel”.
Baihaqy’s sister, Nik Norliliwati, has said that the family is considering appointing a lawyer to take action against those responsible for his death.