Tourist Sentenced to Three Months in Jail for Harassing 12-Year-Old Girl at Swimming Complex
A 25-year-old tourist, Pramender, has been sentenced to three months in prison after he harassed and molested a 12-year-old girl at the Jalan Besar Swimming Complex in Singapore. The incident occurred on March 31, 2025, when the young girl, who was at the pool with her family, encountered Pramender after swimming.
Incident Details
After exiting the pool, the girl noticed Pramender staring at her. Feeling uncomfortable, she wrapped herself in a towel and attempted to head to the female toilet. However, Pramender followed her, where he took her unlocked phone and used it to follow his own Instagram account. He then inappropriately touched her back and attempted to give her a side hug, leaving the girl feeling shocked and frightened.
Despite her attempts to distance herself, Pramender continued to pursue her, even asking her to enter the female toilet with him. When she resisted, he entered alone and called out to her, further escalating the situation. The girl eventually sought the help of her cousins, who stood guard outside the toilet and confronted Pramender, who was loitering nearby.
Persistent Harassment
During this time, Pramender sent the girl a barrage of messages—13 in total—within a span of just five minutes, including requests to meet and declarations of affection. The girl, understandably alarmed by the messages, reported the incident to a lifeguard, and her mother later filed a police report.
Pramender was arrested on April 2, just two days after the incident was reported. He pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to procure an indecent act with a child and molestation.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
In court, Pramender expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to the victim’s family. He cited personal circumstances, including his mother’s illness, as reasons for wanting to return to India soon. However, District Judge Chay Yuen Fatt emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, noting that the victim’s young age and the predatory nature of Pramender’s actions warranted a strong deterrent sentence.
The judge remarked that the situation could have escalated further if not for the timely intervention of the victim’s cousins. Ultimately, Pramender was sentenced to three months in jail, reflecting the court’s commitment to addressing such predatory behavior and protecting vulnerable individuals.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in public spaces and the need for swift action against harassment and abuse.