A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged with causing death by rash act in connection with the death of a 33-year-old man whose body was retrieved from the Singapore River near Clarke Quay on June 30. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many left wondering how the tragedy unfolded.
According to the Singapore Police Force, they received a call for assistance at 10:15 pm on June 30, reporting that a man had fallen into the waters of the Singapore River. Divers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF) Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) were swiftly deployed to conduct an underwater search, and the body of the 33-year-old man was subsequently retrieved 3 meters from shore, at a depth of about 3 meters.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by a SCDF paramedic. While the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear, Lianhe Zaobao reported that the two men had been drinking and got into a dispute over a woman before the incident took place. However, these claims have not been officially confirmed, and rumors circulating on social media about the incident have been removed.
Through a thorough investigation, involving the analysis of images from police cameras and CCTVs, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Central Police Division, and Woodlands Police Division were able to establish the identity of the 21-year-old man and arrest him in relation to the incident. He will be charged in court on July 2 and faces up to five years in jail, a fine, or both if convicted.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible behavior, particularly in public areas, and the devastating consequences that can result from reckless actions. As the investigation continues, the community is left to mourn the loss of a life and reflect on the importance of promoting a culture of safety and respect.