Burger seller claims trial to raping 12-year-old

On May 29, a 24-year-old burger seller, Akhil Yusuf, appeared in the Muar sessions court to face charges of raping a 12-year-old girl. The charge, under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment and whipping if found guilty. According to the case, Akhil met the victim only the day before the alleged incident and picked her up in his car.

He then stopped the vehicle at a roadside, where the offense occurred around 3 am. The victim's mother discovered incriminating messages on her daughter's phone, leading to the arrest and subsequent trial of Akhil, who did not have legal representation at the time. The court set bail at RM8,000 and issued orders that Akhil must not contact the victim or her family, including through social media. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 17.