Viral Reckless Navara Driver Jailed, Banned 5 Years From Driving

Screengrabs of the viral dashcam video showing a black Nissan Navara driven by K. Darmaraju striking a married couple riding a Benelli TRK 502 near the Duta Toll Plaza.

Earlier today, the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court had reportedly sentenced 32-year-old car accessories salesman K. Darmaraju with a 30-day prison stint, a fine amounting to RM12,000, and a five-year driving ban.

The punishment was dished out to the accused by magistrate Khairunnisak Hassni for his acts of driving recklessly in a black Nissan Navara belonging to his friend and striking a married couple on a motorcycle near the Duta Toll Plaza before fleeing the incident.

Additionally, prosecuting officer Inspector Syazwan Hasifi from the police had urged the court to impose a commensurate sentence to serve as a deterrent to others.

The charge was framed under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum five-year jail term, a fine of up to RM15,000, and disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence for not less than five years.

The accused being led into the KL Magistrate's Court earlier today to face his charges. He was sentenced with a 30-day prison stint, fined RM12,000, and was handed a 5-year driving ban. (Image: NSTP)

In a statement issued via his lawyer S. Vinesh, the accused apologised and promises not to repeat his ‘mistake’. His lawyer also added that the accused, who also reportedly pleaded guilty to the charges, is recently married and is supporting his elderly parents too.

The incident was caught on dashcam by another motorcyclist following behind. Footage from which was then uploaded online to the DashCam Malaysia page on Facebook and quickly went viral, sparking outrage amongst netizens and observers.

Said video, captured close to noon on May 10 near the Duta Toll Plaza, clearly showed the Navara striking the couple’s Benelli TRK 502 motorcycle. The couple sustained serious injuries as a result, and both are still being treated in hospital at the time of writing.

Moreover, footage also surfaced on social media showing the same black 4x4 pick-up truck recklessly speeding and weaving through traffic with a few other similar vehicles on the NKVE stretch towards the viral incident site.