MEDIAALIF.COM, Batam – The criminal case involving a crew member (ABK) of the Belgian-flagged vessel CSD JFJ De Nul, namely defendant Vimal Ulas, an Indian national, has suddenly become heated. The tension arose after a piece of evidence—a “steak knife”—was presented without undergoing fingerprint forensic testing as recommended by legal procedures, by Prosecutor Gustirio.
The courtroom atmosphere turned tense, leading to a heated debate between the defendant’s legal counsel, who sought to defend their client’s legal rights, and Prosecutor Gustirio after the reading of the investigation report (BAP). The dispute centered on the fact that the evidence had not undergone fingerprint forensic testing, and no forensic expert witness was presented.
In a previous hearing, Vivi and Partners, acting as legal counsel, had informed the panel of judges at the Batam District Court that the case had drawn the attention of the Indian Consulate General based in North Sumatra. During a prior visit to the Batam detention center, the Consulate emphasized that the steak knife should undergo fingerprint forensic testing.
The case began with a political argument among four colleagues—Vimal, Kumar, Adam (the victim), and Arunachalam. However, two of them failed to appear in court and are currently missing, despite the ship still being in Batam. The dispute between Vimal and Adam, who was physically larger, escalated into a fight onboard the vessel, ultimately leading to the death of Adam Nagoor Gani. A police report alleging murder was filed following the incident, which occurred on December 25, 2025, during a Christmas celebration. Meanwhile, Zulham, who filed the police report, did not attend the trial.
During the current hearing, Vimal Ulas testified under oath according to his religious beliefs. The prosecutor, defense counsel, and panel of judges questioned him about the events leading up to the altercation on the ship, which was anchored at PT Bias Delta Pratama Layup Anchorage in Galang District, Batam.
Vimal described the situation onboard and denied committing murder. None of the witnesses presented by the prosecutor testified that they saw Vimal stab the victim or even hold a knife.
“At that time, we were celebrating Christmas, drinking alcohol, and debating politics. The victim (Adam), who was physically larger, became emotional and grabbed my neck. Friends intervened. There were two fights—during one, Adam hit/slapped me,” Vimal said.
“I defended myself by pushing him, and I fell onto the floor and hit a table. Arunachalam separated us. I saw Adam also fall and hit a table. After that, we were separated,” he continued.
“I only pushed him and did not touch any object,” Vimal added through an interpreter. Despite intense questioning from all sides, especially from the panel of judges on Monday (August 31, 2026), his demeanor did not show signs of fear or guilt.
The hearing, which focused on the defendant’s testimony, became particularly contentious over the issue of the steak knife that had not undergone fingerprint forensic testing. The situation was eventually calmed by Chief Judge Douglas and the panel of judges, who noted it as an important consideration. Prosecutor Gustirio appeared subdued, bowing his head with his hands covering part of his face.
Based on court proceedings, witnesses presented by the prosecutor—including Piter Bongga, a ship agent from PT Gesuri Lloyd in Batam—stated they did not see the defendant holding a steak knife or committing a stabbing (hearing on Juli, 2026). Zulham, the company representative who filed the police report, was absent.
Witness Angga Irawan, a Control Room Officer at PT Bias Delta Pratama, who transported the victim by ambulance to Awal Bros Hospital Batu Aji, said the victim was still able to sit. Another witness, Riswan, who was on the ship at the time, also stated he did not see Vimal holding a knife or stabbing the victim.
Expert testimony from doctors at Awal Bros Hospital Batu Aji—including Dr. Jody Multi (general practitioner), Dr. Rico Ikhsani (surgeon), Dr. Indra Faisal (forensic specialist), and Dr. Rena Noer (anesthesiologist)—revealed that the victim had consumed alcohol, was agitated, and had removed his IV line and breathing apparatus. The victim was reported to have died after approximately seven hours of medical treatment, hearing on August 19, 2026. (Ls co rmsag)
