Indian Man Accused of Slashing Roommate After Overcrowding Dispute at AMK HDB Flat
A shocking altercation broke out in the early hours of 23 June at an Ang Mo Kio flat, after an argument over illegal subletting allegedly turned violent. A 21-year-old Indian national, Rahul Singh, was charged in court on 24 June for allegedly slashing a fellow tenant with a knife and threatening another with death.
The victim, 22-year-old Rajdeep, sustained a slash wound to his left hand and needed seven stitches. The incident happened at a three-room HDB flat at Block 513 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, where Singh had reportedly crammed 20 migrant workers into the unit — far exceeding the legal HDB cap of six tenants for a three-room flat, reported Shin Min Daily News.
Cramped Living Conditions in Allegedly Overcrowded Flat
Rajdeep, who had been living in the unit for seven months, shared that he initially moved in after finding the rental through an agent. At first, he shared a bedroom with three others and paid S$450 per month. Singh, acting as the middleman, collected the rent and passed it to the landlord.
But about six weeks ago, Singh allegedly began subletting the flat to more tenants. The total number of occupants ballooned to 20, including himself. To make space, Singh allegedly shifted a bedroom bed into the living room, forcing Rajdeep and his roommates to sleep on the floor.
The flat’s shared spaces — the kitchen and toilet — quickly became dirty and overcrowded. Noise at night became a daily nuisance, and despite repeated complaints, Singh reportedly told them they could “just move out” if they were unhappy.
Dispute Over Illegal Subletting Turns Violent
Things came to a head on 23 June. Rajdeep claimed that he and a roommate confronted Singh again about the overcrowded conditions and the legality of the arrangement. In the heat of the dispute, Singh allegedly grabbed a knife from the kitchen and tried to attack the roommate. When Singh swung the blade again, Rajdeep intervened and was cut between his thumb and index finger.
Rajdeep told reporters Singh appeared shocked upon seeing the injury and fled the scene after tossing the weapon. He was later arrested by police, while Rajdeep was brought to the hospital, receiving seven stitches and two weeks of medical leave from his hotel job.
Alleged Profit Motive Behind Illegal Subletting
According to Rajdeep, Singh might have been profiting from the subletting arrangement. He claimed that many of the new tenants paid about S$300 each in rent, which meant Singh could be collecting up to S$6,000 monthly, while the flat’s rental was estimated at just S$3,000. The excess, Rajdeep believed, was being pocketed by Singh.
Singh has been remanded and is set to return to court on 8 July. Police investigations are still ongoing, and he is also assisting with probes into criminal intimidation.
This incident sheds light on the ongoing issue of illegal subletting in Singapore’s public housing and the potential dangers when profit is prioritised over basic living conditions and legal housing guidelines.