Indian-origin Man Sentenced to 18 Years’ Detention for Singapore Sexual Assault
In a recent case in Singapore, an Indian-origin man has been sentenced to 18 years of preventive detention and 12 strokes of the cane for sexually assaulting a domestic worker. The offender, Mark Kalaivanan Tamilarasan, had previously spent 16 years in jail for a rape case before being released. However, he went on to commit another serious crime.
Preventive detention is a harsh punishment that aims to protect the public by keeping dangerous offenders incarcerated for a longer period of time. In Tamilarasan’s case, he was convicted of four charges, including aggravated sexual assault, house trespass to commit sexual assault, outrage of modesty, and impersonation of a public servant.
The incident occurred in July 2017 when Tamilarasan forcibly entered a flat while intoxicated and sexually assaulted a domestic helper who was ironing clothes. He claimed to be a police officer and demanded her passport, work permit, and money before molesting her. The victim courageously screamed for help, and her cries were heard by a neighboring worker who immediately alerted the police.
During the trial, Tamilarasan provided a defense claiming that he had met the victim before in a club and that their encounter was consensual. However, these claims were rejected, and he was found guilty on all charges. Deputy Public Prosecutors Chew Xin Ying and Sheldon Lim sought the maximum sentence of 20 years of preventive detention for Tamilarasan.
Justice Khang Chau, while sentencing Tamilarasan, emphasized his lack of remorse, refusal to accept responsibility, and his minimization of the severity of his crimes. He also highlighted Tamilarasan’s high risk of reoffending and recidivism in sexual violence. The judge concluded that Tamilarasan posed a significant threat to the public and was beyond redemption.
It is crucial to address cases of sexual assault with the seriousness they deserve. The Singaporean judicial system’s sentencing in this case reflects a commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of its citizens. By imposing preventive detention, the court hopes to prevent Tamilarasan from inflicting any more harm on others.
This case serves as a reminder that repeat offenders should be dealt with firmly to ensure the safety of society. Efforts to prevent sexual assault and support victims must continue, and the legal system plays a crucial role in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The strict sentence handed down to Tamilarasan sends a strong message that sexual assault will not be tolerated in Singapore, and the country is committed to ensuring the safety of its residents. Public awareness, education, and initiatives addressing sexual assault must also be a priority to create a society where such crimes are prevented altogether.
Moving forward, it is vital to continue advocating for the rights of victims and taking steps toward a more inclusive and respectful society. By actively confronting the issue of sexual assault, Singapore can work towards a safer future for all its residents.
