Daijiworld News Network- Singapore
Singapore, Mar 6: A 26-year-old Indian national was sentenced to seven months in jail after pleading guilty to molestation, with an additional charge of housebreaking considered during sentencing.
The accused, Erakkodan Abinraj, unlawfully entered his neighbor’s condominium unit by climbing through the balcony at around 4:50 am on September 22 last year. He then entered the master bedroom, where a 36-year-old woman was asleep alongside her husband, and proceeded to touch her underwear. The victim, whose identity remains protected under a gag order, woke up to the unsettling sensation and was shocked to see an unknown figure standing near her with a mobile phone flashlight on.
As she screamed, her husband woke up and confronted Abinraj, demanding that he leave the room. In a state of panic, the accused reportedly urinated in fear and pleaded with the victim’s husband not to call the police. However, the victim immediately alerted authorities, and Abinraj remained in the unit until officers arrived.
During police questioning, Abinraj initially denied molesting the victim, claiming that his phone had accidentally fallen on her, which led to her waking up. However, he later admitted to trespassing.
The prosecution sought a jail term of six to eight months, highlighting the gravity of the offence as it involved a home intrusion, violating the victim’s sense of security. Prosecutors also pointed out that the victim was particularly vulnerable as she was asleep when the incident occurred. Additionally, Abinraj caused further distress by urinating inside the residence.
His defense lawyer, Ambalavanar Ravidass, argued for a seven-month jail term, citing his client's humble background in India and personal struggles, including the suicide of his grandmother. However, the prosecution countered that a medical report from the Institute of Mental Health found no evidence of a mental disorder.
Abinraj eventually accepted that he did not suffer from any diagnosed mental condition but claimed he had been experiencing stress and depression.
Under Singapore law, molestation carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison, along with a possible fine and caning.