KOTA TINGGI, MALAYSIA: A 54-year-old dentist has pleaded not guilty at the magistrates court here to molesting a 17-year-old girl during treatment at his clinic.

Dr T. Kanniappan was charged under Section 354 of the Penal Code for outraging the modesty of the student twice between September and December last year.

He allegedly committed the offence between 10am and 7pm in the dental treatment room at Klinik Kota Dental Surgery at 30H, Jalan Tun Sri Lanang, Kota Tinggi.

The girl had lodged a police report at the Kota Tinggi station on Feb 25, alleging that the dentist fondled her right breast while they were alone in the treatment room on Sept 1, and again two months later.

Dr Kanniappan, who appeared in court yesterday in a dark blue suit and a tie, faces a maximum 10 years' jail, a fine or whipping, or any of the two punishments if found guilty.

Magistrate Fadlee Mamat fixed bail at RM6,000 and set July 20 for the first hearing.

One of Dr Kanniappan's defence counsel R.K. Menon said that his client, who has been practising dentistry for about 20 years, posted bail. --The Star / Asia News Network

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