An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to 10 months in jail in Singapore after pleading guilty to charges of molesting a domestic worker and causing injuries to another individual with a dangerous weapon. The accused, Singaram Palianeapan, 61 years old, allegedly followed the domestic worker into a lift where he molested her for close to 90 seconds.
According to reports, the incident took place on September 28, 2022, when the victim was purchasing food. Singaram offered her money to buy a drink, initially met with refusal but later acceptance upon insistence. As they proceeded towards the lift in the housing block and reached the seventeenth floor, Singaram prevented the victim from pressing the button for her intended destination on the fifth floor.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Jordy Kay revealed that once the lift started moving, Singaram started molesting the domestic worker. Upon reaching the seventeenth floor, Singaram stood by the lift doors and asked the victim to follow him. When she declined, he re-entered the lift and selected the seventh floor. Throughout the lift journey, Singaram continued molesting the woman. The entire duration of the incident, lasting a minute and twenty-eight seconds, was captured on the lift’s CCTV camera.
A month after being released on bail, Singaram attacked a man at a bicycle shop, hitting him three times with a metal chain wrapped around his fist. The court also took into consideration four similar charges against Singaram during the sentencing. As a result, he was sentenced to ten months in jail for the crimes.
These actions have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of domestic workers in Singapore. Commenting on the incident, advocacy group Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of domestic workers and called for stricter measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. TWC2 stated that it is crucial for employers and the government to work together to protect the rights of domestic workers and create a safe environment for them.
The case has highlighted the need for continued efforts to raise awareness about the rights and protection of domestic workers, not just in Singapore but across the globe. Such incidents serve as a reminder that more needs to be done to safeguard vulnerable individuals from harassment and violence.
Authorities are implementing various measures to address this issue, including enhanced training programs and awareness campaigns aimed at educating domestic workers about their rights and providing them with the tools to seek help when needed. The government has also been working on strengthening the legal framework to ensure the safety and well-being of domestic workers.
Incidents like these underscore the importance of creating a safe and inclusive society for all individuals, regardless of their occupation or background. By taking collective action and fostering an environment of respect and understanding, societies can work towards preventing such crimes and ensuring the dignity and security of every member within their communities.
