Family of rape accused snaps at press pixmen

GEORGE TOWN: A commotion broke out outside a magistrate’s court here when a woman struggled to shield an air steward charged with raping his colleague from press photographers.
The woman, believed to be the mother of G. Dinesh Kumar, 31, raised her voice and brandished her handbag while leading him to the elevator.

A small crowd gathered to watch when she targeted one photographer who she claimed had touched her bag.
A man, believed to be a relative, then appeared and threatened to sue the press.
Police officers stationed at the courthouse quickly moved in to break up the exchange, after which the man and the woman led Dinesh Kumar, who had zipped a red jacket over his head to hide his face from photographers, into an elevator.
Dinesh Kumar is accused of raping a 23-year-old colleague at his home in Pangsapuri Golf View, Bandar Bukit Jambul, at about 9am on May 8.
The offence under Section 376(2)(b) of the Penal Code carries a maximum jail term of 30 years and possible whipping.
Dinesh Kumar had pleaded not guilty when he was first charged in a Sessions Court here on May 13.
The case was mentioned at the magistrate’s court yesterday as the judge presiding over the case was on medical leave.
Magistrate Noor Aini Yusof set July 19 to mention the case to give defence counsel Jagdeep Singh Deo time to make a representation to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.-the star