GEORGE TOWN: Nineteen men and a teenager were charged at the sessions court here today with being members of the organised crime group "Gang 04".
The alleged gang members include S. Somasundram, K Murali, S. Ragindran and G. Selvarajoo, aged between 17 and 57.
A 21st suspect, B. Kann¬an, 47, was charged at the Penang Hospital, as he is receiving treatment for epilepsy.
They were charged with being members of Gang 04 in the northeast district here from Jan 1, 2015 until July 29 this year.
The charge was brought under Section 130V (1) of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of up to 20 years if convicted.
No plea was recorded from all the accused, as they are being detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) 2012.
The charge sheet was read before judge Norsalha Hamzah.
Deputy Public Prosecutors Saiful Edris Zainuddin and Muhammad Fadzlan Mohd Noor prosecuted the case.
Of the 21 accused, only 12 were represented by lawyers. The counsels include RSN Rayer, M. Athimulan and V Parthipan.
The judge fixed Sept 14 for next mention.