A 48-year-old Malaysian man has been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment and 12 strokes of the cane after he s***** assaulted and R*** a woman in Singapore while pretending to be a police officer.
The offender, Sharveen Chetty, admitted to one count of R*** in court. A second r*** charge, along with a charge of impersonating a public servant, was taken into consideration during sentencing. The case has once again raised concerns over personal safety, particularly for vulnerable migrant workers in Singapore.
Court proceedings revealed that the victim, a domestic helper working in Singapore, was approached under false pretences near Little India in 2022. The incident unfolded in a public area before escalating into a secluded assault.
Pretended To Be A Police Officer Near Little India MRT
According to court findings, the man first noticed the woman sitting with her friends near the exit of Little India MRT station. He later returned after putting on a cap and black jacket, reportedly attempting to avoid detection by nearby CCTV cameras.
He approached the group and falsely identified himself as a Singapore police officer. Claiming he needed to conduct checks, he demanded to see their identification documents. The women, caught off guard by the apparent authority of the situation, complied initially.
He then singled out the victim and instructed her to follow him to a nearby secluded area with bushes. Once away from her friends, he kissed her without consent. When she pushed him away and questioned his actions, he escalated the situation with threats.
Threatened To Have Victim “Blacklisted”
The court heard that he threatened to have the victim and her friends “blacklisted” from working in Singapore if she did not comply. Fearful that the threat might affect her employment status and ability to remain in the country, the woman felt pressured and vulnerable.
He subsequently r**** and assaulted her in the secluded area. After the ordeal, the victim managed to return to her friends and later filed a police report.
The man left Singapore shortly after the offence but returned days later. He was arrested upon re-entry at Tuas Checkpoint, where officers detained him.
12-Year Jail Term And Caning Imposed
The prosecution sought a custodial sentence of between 11 and 13 years, alongside 12 strokes of the cane. The court ultimately imposed a 12-year prison term and 12 cane strokes, reflecting the gravity of the offence and the abuse of false authority.
Sexual offences in Singapore carry severe penalties, particularly where coercion, impersonation of public officials, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals are involved. The case underscores the importance of verifying the identity of officers and reporting suspicious conduct immediately.
Authorities have repeatedly advised members of the public that legitimate police officers will carry official identification and will not conduct improper checks in secluded areas. Anyone who suspects impersonation is encouraged to contact the police directly for verification.
The sentencing sends a strong message that crimes involving deception, abuse of authority, and sexual violence will be met with firm punishment under Singapore law.