George town: Four men pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of conspiring to cause grievous bodily harm to a man using a machete last week. Shop assistant Kisheaan Gunasegaran, 29; plumber Yogayoggan Sivasubramaniam, 26; technician Heganeswaran Servai Shanmuganathan, 28; and delivery driver Sarvindran Kirishna Kumar, 23, entered their plea before Judge Irwan Suainbon.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the accused are charged with conspiring to commit an unlawful act by causing grievous bodily harm with a machete to Prashanraj A/L Sivasamy, 33. The alleged offense took place in front of the entrance of the Hyundai showroom at Gurney Paragon Mall here at approximately 8 am on February 25.

The charge is framed under Section 326 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 120B of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment for up to 20 years and the possibility of a fine or whipping if convicted.

The court granted bail to the four men, who were represented by lawyer Lim Xian Zhi, at RM15,000 with one surety each. Additionally, they were instructed to report to the nearest police station once a month and were warned not to disturb the victim and witnesses involved in the case.

The court has scheduled April 15 for mention for the submission of documents, with Deputy Public Prosecutor Lee Jun Keong appearing for the prosecution.