An Indian national became the first out of 25 to plead guilty to his involvement in the Little India riot last December.
32-year-old Chinnappa Vijayaragunatha Poopathi was sentenced to 15 weeks in jail for failing to disperse, under Section 151 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of two years’ jail and a fine.
It is believed that Section 151 is coming into play for the first time in Singapore’s history.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers amended Chinnapa’s initial charge of rioting, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ jail and caning, after carefully considering the extent of the construction worker’s involvement.
Chinappa, who was not part of the mob, was heading towards a nearby canteen with a friend after having beer. The pair walked on to join an assembly of 10 at the canteen, and started shouting at the canteen staff to reopen, despite calls to disperse made by the Special Operations Command.
Deputy Chief District Judge Jennifer Marie called Chinnappa’s actions “defiant and brazen”. In sentencing, she explained that the courts have to send out a strong deterrent signal, that such conduct will not be tolerated.
At the same time, she noted that Chinappa wasn’t in the immediate area where the riot took place, didn’t partake in any violent acts or cause damage to property, and didn’t get in the way of any emergency rescue operations.
Chinappa’s sentence is backdated to Dec. 8, the night of arrest, and he will be repatriated upon release.
The Little India riot in Singapore was the first in 40 years. 43 officers were left injured, while 24 emergency vehicles were damaged.
Source: Channel NewsAsia
Photo: AFP
