Indian national who bludgeoned countryman to death fails to reduce sentence

In a final attempt to reduce his prison sentence and whipping order, K Alagesan, a 34-year-old Indian national, failed to convince the Federal Court bench to lower his 35-year prison term and 12 strokes of the cane. The assault occurred on September 9, 2020, when Alagesan entered the living room of an old folks home in Petaling Jaya and struck his victim, Sugan Ganesan, with a hammer while he was asleep.

Evidence from the post-mortem confirmed that Sugan had died from severe blunt-force trauma to the head. Alagesan pleaded guilty at the High Court in 2024, receiving a 38-year sentence, backdated to his arrest on September 10, 2020. The Court of Appeal reduced his sentence to 35 years and 12 strokes, but the Federal Court upheld the decision.

Under Malaysia's updated sentencing laws implemented in July 2023, judges have the authority to issue sentences ranging from 30 to 40 years, accompanied by a minimum of 12 strokes for male offenders under 50, rather than imposing the mandatory death penalty.