What common intention does the prosecution allege for 23 murders?

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Prosecution Alleges Common Intention to Commit Murder in Tahfiz Centre Fire

The prosecution contends that the two 17-year-old defendants acted with a common intention to kill all 23 residents of the Darul Ittifaqiyah Tahfiz centre. Evidence presented suggests that the defendants planned to set the centre ablaze, leading to the deaths of the victims from severe burns, smoke, and soot inhalation. Their actions are alleged to constitute an offence under Section 300 of the Penal Code, read with Section 34, indicating a shared intent to cause death.
Premeditated Plan to Burn the Centre

On the night preceding the fire, both defendants discussed their desire to set the tahfiz centre alight. This conversation forms a key part of the prosecution's case, indicating a pre-existing intent to commit the act that resulted in the fatalities.
Execution of the Arson Attack

The prosecution has presented a timeline of events on the morning of September 14, 2017. The defendants were observed leaving an area at 4:15 am on a motorcycle, proceeding to the vicinity of the centre by 4:30 am, and subsequently climbing over the fence carrying a bottle of petrol. They were seen hastily exiting the centre's compound at 4:50 am, at which point flames were visible on the third floor.
Evidence of Deliberate Ignition

Investigations by the Fire and Rescue Department concluded that the fire was intentionally set. The prosecution alleges that a cigarette lighter was used to ignite petrol, which was poured over various items including a towel rack, shoe rack, the wall, and the dormitory door. The presence of two liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders within the dormitory significantly intensified the blaze.
Formal Charges Under Penal Code

The two teenagers face joint charges for committing murder, with 23 counts corresponding to each victim. These charges are brought under Section 302 of the Penal Code, read in conjunction with Section 34 of the same Act, which addresses the legal implications of common intention in criminal acts. CCTV recordings have been recovered, which the prosecution claims corroborate the defendants' presence near the scene.

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What common intention does the prosecution allege for 23 murders?

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