Zaharif's injuries inconsistent with being run over, court told

IPOH: The High Court heard today that 17-year-old Muhammad Zaharif Affendi Muhd Zamrie did not sustain injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle, as eyewitnesses claimed. Defense counsel M. Athimulan argued that this theory conflicts with forensic and medical evidence. Forensic pathologist confirmed Zaharif's injuries did not include crushed bones, destroyed organs, or tyre marks, contradicting eyewitness claims.

Athimulan contended eyewitness accounts were unreliable and contradicted by expert medical evidence. He emphasized that Zaharif was thrown from the motorcycle upon contact, not intentionally run over, and that medical evidence ruled out eyewitness testimony. The defense also highlighted the absence of Event Data Records (EDR) or "black box" data from the Perodua Ativa, essential for reconstructing the incident and determining intent.

Without this data, the prosecution cannot prove whether Zaharif attempted to brake, swerve, or avoid the collision, nor can they determine if he was speeding due to loss of control or intentional action. The defense argued these gaps are critical to the prosecution's case of malicious intent. The accused, Deputy Superintendent Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak, faces a serious charge of murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code, carrying a potential death penalty or imprisonment of 30-40 years with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane if the death penalty is not imposed.