Three men were charged in the magistrate’s court in Kuala Lumpur today with abducting a 12-year-old boy of Dutch nationality with the aim of demanding a ransom of RM300,000.

Lee Phak Seng, 19, Chang Tat Siong and Foong Khar Fai, both 24, were charged before magistrate Erry Shahriman Nor Aripin with kidnapping Nayati Shamelin Moodliar, with another person still at large, at Jalan Kiara 1, Mont Kiara, at 7.30 am on April 27.

Self-employed Lee and Foong and salesman Chang nodded their heads, indicating they understood the charge, but no plea was recorded.

They were charged under Section 3 of the Kidnapping Act 1961, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which provide for the death sentence or life imprisonment and whipping.

The court set July 20 for mention of the case pending the chemistry report.

Nayati and his family were not seen in court.

The prosecution was conducted by DPP Faizah Mohd Salleh. Chang and Foong were represented by counsel Rejinder Singh while Lee was unrepresented.   

Nayati, who was kidnapped while walking to Mont Kiara International School, was found safe at the Sungai Buloh rest and recreation area of the North-South Expressway at 7.55am on May 3.

- Bernama