Azahari Shahrom Shaihmi, 56; Bangladeshi Kasi Nasrul, 42; Mohd Durai Abdullah, 52; Sheikh Ismail Sheikh Hassan, 26; and N Vikneswarar, 28, were charged under the Kidnapping Act 1961 which carries the death sentence or life imprisonment upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Hakim Amor Abdul Hamid prosecuted while the five were unrepresented.

They were accused with committing the offence at Taman Kejiranan Central Spine, Jalan Margosa, Bandar Sri Damansara here at 10.30am on June 10.

A sixth individual, K Ramancharan, was charged with abetting. Ramancharan, 52, who holds a “Datuk” title, was represented by R Sivaraj.

No plea was recorded.

Magistrate Mohamad Ikhwan Mohd Nasir set Aug 27 for case management. No bail was set for the six.

The victim, R Arumugam, was reportedly kidnapped while jogging at a playground. Arumugam, 55, also carried a “Datuk Seri” title.

His body was found on June 27.

A ransom of S$50 million was demanded of the family but no payment was made.

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