Daijiworld Media Network- Singapore
Singapore, Jul 31: In a grave verdict that underscores Singapore’s uncompromising stance on crimes against minors, a 58-year-old Indian national, Ramalingam Selvasekaran, has been sentenced to 14 years, 3 months, and 2 weeks in jail for the sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl.
The Singapore High Court, which handed down the sentence on Thursday, found Ramalingam guilty on all three charges—one count of rape and two counts of outrage of modesty. Owing to his age, he was exempted from caning, but the sentence includes additional jail time in lieu of 15 cane strokes.
The offences occurred on October 28, 2021, at Ramalingam’s provision store in Jurong West, where the minor had come to buy ice cream. He lured her to the back of the shop and committed the assault. The victim later approached a passerby for help, following which the police were alerted.
During the trial, which began on January 16, 2024, Ramalingam represented himself and denied the charges, claiming that his medical condition, erectile dysfunction, made rape impossible, and pointing to the absence of DNA evidence. However, Justice Aidan Xu dismissed these arguments, stating that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge noted that the victim’s testimony was consistent and credible, and that Ramalingam’s earlier police statements, where he admitted to hugging and kissing the girl and her performing oral sex, aligned with the charges.
After sentencing, Ramalingam was granted bail of SGD 80,000 pending appeal, but the court rejected his plea to remove his electronic monitoring tag and denied relaxation of other bail conditions. He also objected to returning SGD 8 in cash found on the victim, claiming it belonged to his shop.
The case has raised serious concerns within the Indian community in Singapore and has drawn public attention to the rigorous legal processes in place to protect minors.
Authorities have reiterated the need for vigilance and timely reporting of such incidents. Further developments are awaited as Ramalingam pursues an appeal against his conviction.