MEDIAALIF.COM, BATAM — Entangled in an alleged murder case in Batam, Vimal Ulas, an Indian national and crew member of the CSD JFJ vessel operated by Belgium-based company Jan De Nul, is now facing a legal process that has raised questions over the evidence presented before the Batam District Court.
According to court proceedings and field investigations cited by Media Alif, the prosecution has presented witnesses and physical evidence, including a steak knife. However, questions have reportedly emerged regarding forensic examination and fingerprint testing of the knife.
The matter has reportedly drawn the attention of the Consulate General of India in Medan, North Sumatra, as well as the Batam District Court. Medical expert testimony was presented by the prosecution, while a forensic expert reportedly did not appear during the proceedings. According to the report, none of the evidence presented has directly established that Vimal Ulas was responsible for the alleged killing.
The prosecution ultimately sought a seven-year prison sentence against Vimal Ulas during the sentencing hearing on September 9, 2026.
Prosecution Seeks Seven-Year Sentence
Based on coverage of proceedings at the Batam District Court and the investigation cited by this media outlet, the prosecution’s sentencing demand indicates that the first charge was not pursued with the heavier criminal sanction initially contemplated.
Instead, the prosecution relied on the second charge, referring to Article 351 paragraph (3) of the former Indonesian Criminal Code, as amended under Article 466 paragraph (3) of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Indonesian Criminal Code, with a requested sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.
The distinction between the charges is significant because it means the prosecution’s final demand did not seek the heavier punishment associated with the initial allegation.
Following the reading of the prosecution’s demand, the legal process continued with the defense presenting its case.
Defense Says the Legal Battle Is Not Over
Law firm I Ketut Suwitra, through its legal team and lawyer Fifi — corrected from the name previously reported as Vivi — stated that the legal struggle is far from over.
Fifi said the defense team has a moral responsibility to continue supporting Vimal throughout the remaining proceedings and to work to the best of its ability.
«“I’m sorry, it’s not that we don’t want to speak. For us, this case is very serious because it is being directly monitored by the Consulate General of India in North Sumatra and has also drawn the attention of the panel of judges. It also concerns Indonesia’s reputation and image in the eyes of the international community. So, please monitor the facts presented during the trial,” Fifi said after the defense plea hearing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.»
Vimal Remains Calm and Leaves His Fate to God
On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Media Alif contacted lawyer Fifi again through WhatsApp to ask about Vimal’s condition following the prosecution’s seven-year sentencing demand.
Fifi reportedly said that Vimal remained in good condition and was calm. According to the lawyer, he has chosen to place his fate in the hands of God.
Fifi explained that Vimal remains calm because he believes that God will ultimately determine what is best for him, regardless of the path or circumstances that may lie ahead.
His thoughts, she said, remain focused on his children and family in India, particularly his elderly parents, who are reportedly experiencing health problems while he remains unable to be with them.
A Prayer From Behind Bars
Media Alif was also given the opportunity to listen to a roughly two-minute audio recording in which Vimal reportedly expressed his feelings and prayed for his children and family in India.
In the recording, Vimal’s voice could reportedly be heard breaking with emotion as he prayed:
«“God, I surrender my life and death to You. Forgive the sins of my parents, my own sins, and the sins of my children, my wife and my family. Protect them, guide my children, keep them away from hatred and evil, and grant them a good education and a decent life.”»
He continued:
«“You are the One who determines this journey and this trial. What comes from You will return to You. God, forgive those who know me. Bring light into their lives, ease their livelihood and their journey. Do not punish them and do not make their lives difficult.”»
The recording, according to the report, reflects Vimal’s emotional state as he faces the ongoing legal proceedings while being separated from his family.
Questions Over Witnesses and the Course of the Case
The case has also raised questions regarding the absence of several individuals connected to the incident from the courtroom.
Zulham of PT Idros Services, based in Batam and described as the local representative or agent for the CSD JFJ vessel operated by Jan De Nul Belgium, reportedly made the police report concerning the incident.
Two other crew members, Arunachalam and Kumar Selvi Naveen, were reportedly present during the events preceding the confrontation and were said to have witnessed the dispute and attempted to intervene.
According to the account cited by Media Alif, the incident involved a physical confrontation between Vimal and Adam Nagoor, the deceased. The report states that Vimal was allegedly struck, slapped and restrained by Adam, who was described as having a larger physical build.
Vimal allegedly attempted to defend himself by pushing Adam. Both men subsequently fell and came into contact with a table before being separated.
A police report was subsequently filed.
However, the reported absence of Zulham, Arunachalam and Kumar Selvi Naveen from courtroom proceedings has become a subject of public discussion and questions in Batam, Riau Islands Province.
The Questions That Remain
The case now moves forward with several issues remaining to be addressed through the judicial process.
Among the questions raised are the evidentiary basis for the charges, the forensic examination of the knife allegedly connected to the incident, the testimony of witnesses who were reportedly present during the confrontation, and the reasons certain individuals connected to the case have not appeared before the court.
Ultimately, the determination of Vimal Ulas’ criminal responsibility remains within the authority of the Batam District Court and must be based on evidence and testimony examined during the proceedings.
For Vimal, however, the legal battle is accompanied by a personal struggle: separation from his children, concern for his elderly parents, and uncertainty over what the future holds.
For now, he says he can only pray and place his fate in the hands of God. (ricky mora)
