Singapore, Jan 24 (IANS): An Indian national is likely to be the first among 25 men allegedly involved in the Dec 8 riots here to plead guilty.

Chinnappa Vijayaragunatha Poopathi, 32, is expected to plead guilty to a reduced charge of being involved in the riots in Tamil-dominated Little India here last month despite a restriction imposed on assembly of more than five people in the area, Channel Newsasia reported Friday.

The Little India riot started at the junction of Race Course Road and Hampshire Road here Dec 8 when a private bus knocked down and killed an Indian construction worker, Sakthivel Kumaravelu, 33.

About 400 people attacked the bus and police and rescue vehicles for two hours before riot police brought the situation under control.

The rioting charge carries a jail term of up to seven years and caning.

Defence lawyer Sunil Sudheesan will represent Chinappa Feb 7.

If Chinnappa is convicted, he will face a jail term of up to two years, and a fine.