JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 23 — A 34-year-old Bangladeshi woman was brought before the Sessions Court here today for allegedly cutting off her partner’s genitals about two weeks ago.
The accused, Begum Masuma, initially pleaded guilty after the charge against her was read out by a court interpreter before Judge Datuk Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail.
However, the accused’s guilty plea was not accepted as it was conditional and the accused had difficulty understanding the charge.
According to the charge sheet, she was accused of intentionally causing serious injury to a man, Babu Mondol, 33, by using a knife, which can cause death if used as a weapon.
The alleged incident occurred at a house near a squatter area behind a factory in Gelang Patah at about 1am on October 8.
The accused, who is employed as a factory production operator, was charged under Section 326 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt with dangerous weapons or means.
The charge carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years and/or a fine upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Zuhainie Zull Kafli told the court that the offence under the section was non-bailable.
He said the prosecution would not recommend bail as the accused is a foreigner and will be charged in the Magistrate’s Court today for not having any valid travel documents.
“The offence also caused serious injuries to the victim, who is also her boyfriend, and they both live in the same house,” he said.
The court did not provide bail and set November 11 for mention to obtain the services of a Bangladeshi translator.
Meanwhile, in the Magistrate’s Court here, Begum was found to be without any valid travel pass issued to her to enter Malaysia.
The immigration offence was recorded at the Gelang Patah police station compound at 12.15pm on October 8.
The accused is charged with violating the provisions under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and is punishable under Section 6(3) of the same Act.
She can be fined up to RM10,000 or imprisoned for a maximum of five years or both if found guilty.
Magistrate Atifah Hazimah Wahab also rejected the guilty plea made by the accused because she did not fully understand the charges read out to her by the interpreter.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Fatihah Mohd Nizam prosecuted, while the accused was not represented.
The court fixed mention for November 11 to secure a Bangladeshi translator.
It was reported on October 9 that police arrested a Bangladeshi woman after she was alleged to have cut off her male partner’s genitals due to jealousy.
Following that, investigators seized a 29-centimetre knife believed to have been used in the incident.
The victim was taken to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) for treatment.
