D Sasveena, 31; her husband T Boharaj, 32; her step-sibling Farhin Ariffin, 23; and two biological siblings, PK Koshenn Kumar, 21; and PK Siveeshinaa, claimed trial before judge Surita Budin after the charges were read out, Berita Harian reported.

They were accused of jointly abducting the teenager in front of a salon at Jalan S2 B10, Uptown Avenue, Seremban 2, at about 5.45pm on April 10.

They were charged under Section 3(1) of the Kidnapping Act 1961, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code. If found guilty, they face between 30 and 40 years in prison and a whipping.

Deputy public prosecutor Norazihah Asmuni did not offer bail, citing the gravity of the offence and concerns for the victim’s safety.

She also said there was a risk of the accused disturbing the victim or witnesses, or attempting to flee.

Defence lawyer T Harpal Singh requested two weeks to file a written bail appeal.

The court allowed the request and fixed May 14 for case mention.

Police previously confirmed that one of the suspects linked to the case had been shot dead in Bandar Bukit Tinggi, Klang.