Indian National Sentenced to Over 14 Years in Singapore for Sexual Assault of Minor
In an alarming case that has drawn international attention, 58-year-old Indian national Ramalingam Selvasekaran was on Thursday sentenced by the Singapore High Court to 14 years, 3 months, and 2 weeks in prison for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. The case has once again highlighted the vulnerability of minors and the importance of the justice system in dealing with such heinous crimes.
The Case at a Glance
Ramalingam was convicted on July 7 of one count of rape and two counts of outraging modesty after a trial in which he represented himself. The incident took place on October 28, 2021 at Ramalingam’s provision store located in Jurong West, a residential area in western Singapore. According to court reports, the victim had visited his store in the afternoon and returned later the same day to buy ice cream. It was during this second visit that she was assaulted.
The Assault
Ramalingam, 55 at the time, allegedly took the girl to a secluded part of his store, molested her and forced her to perform oral sex on him. The acts took place over a period of about 15 minutes, from 4:50 pm to 5:05 pm. The distressed and scared girl finally sought help from a passerby, who called the police and immediately began an investigation.
The Trial and Conviction
During the trial, which began on January 16, 2025, Ramalingam claimed his innocence, saying he suffered from erectile dysfunction and that his DNA was not found on the girl’s body. He also tried to discredit the girl’s testimony, arguing that it was unbelievable that she would have gone to a stranger for help rather than someone she knew. He also raised doubts over the absence of CCTV footage showing the girl’s return home.
Despite his arguments, the judge found his testimony inconsistent and unreliable. Justice Aidan Joo emphasised that Ramalingam’s initial police statements showed that he had admitted to hugging and kissing the girl, and even that she had performed oral sex on him. His attempts to retract these confessions later were seen as selfish.
The court also held that although there was no camera footage of the girl returning home and no DNA evidence of Ramalingam, these factors did not invalidate the consistent and detailed testimony of the victim. The judge emphasised that the victim’s statement was credible, especially considering her age and the trauma she had suffered.
Sentence and Reactions
The final sentence handed down to Ramalingam was more than 14 years in prison, with an additional 15 strokes of cane to replace the one he would have received if he was under 50. Under Singapore law, people over 50 cannot be subjected to caning, which is considered corporal punishment.
During the sentencing, Ramalingam stood his ground and reiterated his plan to appeal his sentence. The court granted him bail of S$80,000 pending his appeal, but imposed some stringent conditions. These included an electronic tag and mandatory check-ins at the police cantonment complex. Ramalingam tried to negotiate for these conditions to be removed, but Justice Joo firmly rejected his demands.
Another bizarre twist during the sentencing came when Ramalingam objected to returning the S$8 to the girl, claiming the money was from his shop. The judge deferred judgment and directed the prosecution to investigate the case further.
The Legal and Social Implications
This case is not only a legal milestone but also a warning to society. It raises questions about the effectiveness of self-representation in serious criminal cases, especially when the accused lacks the legal knowledge to present a credible defence. It also underlines the importance of victim support systems that enable young victims of sexual abuse to come forward and seek justice.
Justice Joo’s ruling also reaffirms Singapore’s judiciary’s commitment to protecting and providing justice to minors. He explained that a victim’s failure to resist or promptly report the crime is understandable given her age and emotional state, and challenges the common but incorrect belief that victims must always resist or immediately disclose their trauma.
International Attention
The fact that it involves an Indian national has attracted strong scrutiny internationally, particularly from the Indian media and expatriate communities. Singapore has a strict and efficient legal system that is known globally for its zero-tolerance policy towards sexual crimes. This case is a stark reminder to foreign nationals that such crimes will be severely punished, regardless of their nationality.
A Cautionary Tale
For parents, grids and networks, this is a serious reminder to educate children about personal safety and visibility. Prince’s courage in helping an 11-year-old girl move forward led to his conviction, which may lead to future stigma.
The program also covers the importance of surveillance and security in public and semi-public spaces such as restaurant stalls. Although not every place can be constantly monitored, the group should work together to create a situation where the child can be made to feel safe.
Justice Delivered, Lessons to Learn
While Ramalingam Selvasekaran’s conviction and sentence may bring relief to the young victim and her family, the scars she suffered will likely remain forever. Justice Joo’s firm and clear ruling demonstrates that Singapore’s justice system remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the vulnerable and holding perpetrators accountable.
This case is a reminder that child sexual abuse is a heinous crime that can have far-reaching consequences. It urges parents to be vigilant, society to be vigilant, and the justice system to remain steadfast in its duty to protect the innocent.
As the appeals process progresses, the world will watch to ensure that justice prevails—and that a brave 11-year-old girl’s voice is heard, believed, and respected.
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