Singapore's Stern Hand: Indian Nationals Receive Heavy Sentences for Violent Robberies and Assaults

In a stark reminder of Singapore's unyielding stance on crime, two Indian nationals, Prabu Durairaj, 34, and Prabu Raja, 31, have been handed down substantial jail terms and caning for their roles in a series of shocking robberies and assaults targeting vulnerable sex workers. The duo's calculated and violent actions at Hotel 81 in Geylang sent ripples through the community, culminating in a decisive judicial outcome.

The District Court, presided over by Judge Lau Boon Kuan, delivered the sentences following a meticulous prosecution by Deputy Public Prosecutor Teo Lu Jia.

Durairaj was sentenced to an aggregate of five years, nine months, and two weeks in jail, along with six strokes of the cane. Raja received a slightly lesser, yet still severe, sentence of four years, eleven months, and two weeks in jail, also accompanied by six strokes of the cane. These penalties reflect the gravity of their premeditated crimes, which included robbery, voluntarily causing hurt, and wrongful restraint.

The horrific incidents unfolded on October 21, 2022.

Evidence presented in court revealed a disturbing pattern of exploitation and violence. In one harrowing account, Durairaj and Raja engaged the services of a female sex worker at Hotel 81. Once in the room, the situation quickly turned menacing. The men produced a knife, terrorized the victim, and proceeded to rob her of S$350 and her mobile phone.

Not content with theft, they then subjected her to a brutal assault, forcibly tying her hands and feet with cable ties, leaving her bound and helpless.

A second incident that same evening saw the pair target another sex worker. This time, their scheme mirrored the first: booking a room, luring the victim, and then unleashing their calculated assault.

They threatened her with a knife, stealing S$250 in cash and her mobile phone, before also restraining her with cable ties. The sheer audacity and cruelty of these acts underscore the defendants' disregard for human dignity and the law.

Fortunately, one of the victims, despite her ordeal, managed a courageous escape from the room and alerted hotel staff to the unfolding terror.

This crucial action triggered a rapid response from law enforcement, leading to a thorough investigation that swiftly identified and apprehended Durairaj and Raja. Their arrests brought an end to their spree of violence and initiated their journey through Singapore’s rigorous legal system.

The court considered the premeditated nature of their crimes, the use of a weapon, and the targeting of vulnerable individuals as significant aggravating factors.

The sentences serve as a powerful deterrent, reaffirming that such heinous acts will be met with the full force of justice in Singapore. The case highlights the tireless efforts of the Singaporean police and judiciary in upholding public safety and ensuring accountability for those who seek to undermine it.