Indian Tourists Sentenced to Prison for Robbing Sex Workers in Singapore Hotels

During their mitigation plea, both individuals asked the judge for leniency and reduced sentencing (Representational)

Singapore:

Two Indian tourists were sentenced to five years and one month in prison with 12 strokes of the cane on Friday after being found guilty of robbing and assaulting two sex workers in Singapore hotel rooms during their vacation.

Arokkiyasami Daison, 23, and Rajendran Mayilarasan, 27, admitted guilt to charges of voluntarily causing hurt during robbery, as reported by The Straits Times.

Court proceedings revealed that the two men arrived in Singapore from India on April 24 for holiday purposes. Two days later, while exploring the Little India district, they were approached by an unknown individual who inquired whether they were interested in engaging sex workers for services.

This individual provided contact information for two women before departing the scene.

Arokkiya suggested to Rajendran that they needed funds and proposed contacting the women with the intention of robbing them in hotel accommodations, to which Rajendran consented. They organized a meeting with one woman in a hotel room around 6 pm that day.

After entering the room, they restrained the victim by binding her hands and legs with clothing items and physically assaulted her by slapping. They proceeded to steal her jewelry, SGD 2,000 cash, passport, and bank cards.

Later that evening, approximately 11 pm, they arranged another meeting with the second woman at a different hotel. Upon her arrival, they forcibly grabbed her arms to facilitate the robbery, with Rajendran covering her mouth to prevent screaming.

The pair stole SGD 800 in cash, two mobile devices, and her passport, while threatening her to remain in the room until their return.

The criminal activities of Arokkiyasami and Rajendran were revealed when the second victim shared her experience with another individual the following day, resulting in police notification.

During their mitigation plea, both unrepresented men appealed to the judge for clemency and reduced sentencing.

Speaking through an interpreter, Arokkiyasami explained, "My father passed away last year. I have three sisters, one of whom is married, and we have no money. That is why we did this." Rajendran added, "My wife and child are alone in India, and they are financially suffering."

According to Singapore law as reported by the local daily, those who voluntarily inflict injury during robbery face imprisonment ranging from five to 20 years and a minimum punishment of 12 strokes of the cane.