58-year-old K Santhi A Krishnasamy found herself entangled in a legal battle after her son failed to report for National Service (NS) on April 23, 2021, according to The Straits Times.
On that fateful day, K Santhi’s son, Mr Kavinsarang Shin, failed to appear for enlistment at the Basic Military Training Centre Headquarters at Pulau Tekong Besar.
Three Central Manpower Base (CMPB) enlistment inspectors arrived at K Santhi’s residence to serve an order for her son to report to CMPB. The order was intended to facilitate investigations into an offense under the Enlistment Act.
K Santhi was adamant about challenging the inspectors’ authority. She insisted that they withdraw the order and take it back.
In a moment of desperation, K Santhi grabbed the wrist of one of the inspectors, leading to a physical altercation. The result was not just abrasions on the inspector’s arm but a shoulder injury that required ongoing physiotherapy.
Facing Criminal Charges
K Santhi was then charged in court with two counts of voluntarily causing hurt to a public servant and using criminal force against a public servant, which she claimed trial to.
She was then convicted on 3 July, and she was in court yesterday (7 August) for her sentencing.
The Prosecutor’s Case
Deputy Public Prosecutor Colin Ng argued that her son’s failure to report for enlistment was the catalyst for the subsequent events. The inspectors’ visit was intended to address this failure, and K Santhi’s resistance only escalated the situation.
K Santhi’s defense hinged on the belief that the inspectors had no right to enter her home unless her son was deemed fit for enlistment.
The prosecution countered this argument by asserting that the inspectors’ responsibility did not extend to assessing fitness for enlistment.
The prosecution contended that the situation could have been resolved without resorting to violence. K Santhi’s actions, it argued, were an unnecessary escalation that could have been avoided.
A Conviction and Sentencing
K Santhi’s trial concluded with her conviction on the charges of causing hurt to public servants. The court deliberated on an appropriate sentence, considering the severity of her actions and the consequences that had ensued.
Throughout the trial, K Santhi maintained her position, asserting that her actions were driven by a mother’s instinct to protect her son.
She expressed no remorse for her actions, underlining her commitment to doing everything in her power to ensure her son’s safety.
Her sentencing has been adjourned to 25 August.