Three Indian Nationals Face Death Penalty In Indonesia Over Drug Smuggling Charges

Three Indian nationals detained in Indonesia since July 2024 on drug trafficking charges are now facing the death penalty, reported The Hindu.

The accused—Raju Muthukumaran (38), Selvadurai Dinakaran (34), and Govindhasamy Vimalkandhan (45)—were arrested for allegedly smuggling 106 kg of crystal meth aboard the Legend Aquarius, a Singapore-flagged cargo vessel.

The case took a significant turn on 14 March, when the captain of the vessel, a crucial witness, failed to appear in court for an in-person testimony.

Instead, he made a brief appearance via Zoom, preventing the defence from conducting a cross-examination. 

The defence has argued that the captain’s testimony is essential to proving their clients’ innocence.

On 25 February, Soleman, a prosecution witness, testified that under Indonesian law, the captain holds sole responsibility for all cargo aboard the vessel. 

The defence contended that smuggling such a large quantity of drugs without the captain’s knowledge would be highly improbable.

Prosecutors have sought the maximum punishment—the death penalty—under Indonesian law.

The accused are being represented by Indian lawyer John Paul.

Defence lawyer Yan Apridho stated, “The case is under trial and crucial defence evidence, along with expert witness testimonies, is being presented to establish the innocence of the three detained Indian nationals.”

With the trial ongoing, a verdict is expected on 15 April.

At a press conference in Batam on 17 July 2024, Indonesian National Narcotic Agency chief Marthinus Hukom alleged that the three were the drug owners and had commissioned the trip.

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