Textile mogul, another ordered to enter defence over attack on ex-judge

A textile mogul Pavitar Singh and another man have been ordered by the sessions court here to enter their defence on a charge of abetting an attack that left a former judge seriously injured three years ago.

Judge Mazuliana Abdul Rashid said yesterday the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Pavitar Singh, 57, the owner of Gulati’s Silk House, and Nor Imran Nordin.

They are alleged to have abetted Shahrulnizam Maimun and Asyraf Sharin in causing grievous hurt to Jagjit Singh using a screwdriver at about 12.50pm near Solaris Dutamas on Oct 19, 2023.

The attack, believed to have stemmed from a family feud, saw Jagjit being assaulted by two assailants who had entered his law office at Publika shopping centre on the pretext of seeking legal representation.

Another lawyer who came to Jagjit’s aid was also assaulted.

The offence falls under Section 109 read with Section 326 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years, upon conviction. The offender may also be liable to a fine or whipping.

Shahrulnizam and Asyraf were charged in connection with the attack and were sentenced to two years’ jail and one stroke of the cane after they pleaded guilty in 2023.

Their prison terms were enhanced to seven years after the prosecution appealed.

Mazuliana fixed seven days from Oct 19 for Pavitar and Imran to begin their defence.

Deputy public prosecutor Wafa Zainal Abidin is prosecuting, while Jacky Loi and Lim Chen Chow are representing Pavitar, and Amer Aizat Shamsuddin for Imran.

Counsel N Sivananthan and Jasmine Cheong are holding a watching brief for the law firm.