Varun Kumar, 30, and Lachhami Devi, 23, nodded after the charge was read out to them before magistrate Syafiq Sulaiman.

No plea was recorded by the magistrate as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

The duo was jointly charged with murdering another Indian national, Arshdeep Singh, 25, at an old folks’ home in Subang Jaya at about 1.30am on Oct 31, 2021.

The charge, framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, carries the death sentence upon conviction.

The court set mention for April 14.

Deputy public prosecutor Kamarul Iman Ahmad Sapian prosecuted.

Varun was represented by lawyer Pritam Singh Doal, while Lacchami, who is the victim’s wife, was unrepresented.

Varun, who was the victim’s co-worker at the old folks’ home, is alleged to have killed him following an affair he allegedly had with the victim’s wife.

Varun allegedly confessed to carrying out the murder to his friend earlier this month. The friend told the police of the alleged confession.

During investigations, Varun is said to have led the police to a hillside behind a home where Arshdeep was buried.

He is alleged to have murdered Arshdeep by slitting his throat with a knife.