Key Highlights:
- Two Indian nationals, Arokkiyasami Daison (23) and Rajendran Mayilarasan (27), received five years and one month imprisonment plus 12 strokes of cane for robbery with assault
- The crimes occurred in April 2024 when the Indian tourists targeted sex workers in Singapore hotels, stealing cash, jewelry, and personal documents
- Singapore’s judicial system enforces strict penalties for violent crimes, with robbery carrying mandatory caning under the country’s criminal justice framework
Opening Overview
Two Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers in Singapore hotels have been sentenced to five years and one month imprisonment, highlighting the city-state’s zero-tolerance approach toward violent crime. Arokkiyasami Daison, 23, and Rajendran Mayilarasan, 27, pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing hurt while committing robbery, crimes that occurred during their April 2024 vacation in Singapore. The case underscores Singapore’s stringent legal framework, where Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers face severe consequences including mandatory corporal punishment.
The incident has drawn significant attention as Singapore continues to maintain its reputation as one of the world’s safest destinations, recording 16.5 million international visitor arrivals in 2024, with India ranking as the third-largest source market contributing 1.2 million tourists. This case involving Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers serves as a stark reminder of Singapore’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety and protecting all individuals within its borders, regardless of their circumstances.
Criminal Timeline and Methodology
- April 24, 2024: The two accused arrived in Singapore from India for vacation
- April 26, 2024: Men approached by unknown individual in Little India area offering contact details for sex workers
The prosecution revealed that Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers had premeditated their crimes after being approached by an unidentified man in Little India. Arokkiyasami told Rajendran they needed money and suggested contacting the women to rob them in hotel rooms, to which his accomplice agreed. This calculated approach to targeting vulnerable individuals demonstrates the serious nature of crimes committed by these Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers.
The first incident occurred around 6 pm on April 26, when they arranged to meet one victim in a hotel room. The perpetrators tied the victim’s hands and legs with clothing, slapped her, and stole SGD 2,000 in cash, jewelry, her passport, and bank cards. Later that night at 11 pm, the Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers targeted a second victim at another hotel, dragging her by the arms while Rajendran covered her mouth to prevent screaming. They stole SGD 800 in cash, two mobile phones, and her passport, threatening her not to leave until they returned.
The crimes were exposed when the second victim confided in another person the following day, prompting police intervention and swift arrests. Singapore’s efficient law enforcement system quickly apprehended these Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers, demonstrating the country’s effective crime prevention mechanisms.
Legal Framework and Judicial Response
- Charges: Voluntarily causing hurt while committing robbery
- Sentence: Five years and one month imprisonment plus 12 strokes of cane each
- Legal provisions: Robbery with voluntary injury carries 5-20 years imprisonment with mandatory minimum 12 strokes
Singapore’s judicial system imposes strict penalties for violent crimes, particularly when Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers commit offenses involving assault and theft. Under Singapore law, those convicted of robbery with voluntary injury face between five and 20 years imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of 12 strokes of the cane. This legal framework ensures that individuals, including Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers, face severe consequences for violent criminal behavior.
The mandatory caning provision reflects Singapore’s deterrent-based approach to criminal justice, where serious offenses including gang robbery, extortion, and violent theft carry corporal punishment. For these Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers, the combination of imprisonment and caning serves both punitive and deterrent purposes within Singapore’s comprehensive criminal justice system. The court’s decision aligns with established sentencing guidelines that treat robbery with violence as a serious threat to public safety.
During mitigation proceedings, both men pleaded for leniency, with Arokkiyasami citing his father’s death and family financial struggles, while Rajendran mentioned his wife and child suffering financially in India. However, the court maintained standard sentencing practices for Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers, emphasizing that personal circumstances do not justify violent criminal behavior. Singapore’s consistent application of criminal penalties ensures equal treatment regardless of nationality or personal background.
Singapore’s Crime Statistics and Tourism Impact
| Crime Category | 2024 Statistics | Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Physical Crimes | 19,969 cases | 81.0 (2017 data) |
| Shop Theft | 4,237 cases | 21.2% of physical crimes |
| Tourist Arrivals | 16.5 million | 21% increase from 2023 |
Singapore maintains exceptionally low crime rates compared to international standards, with violent crime accounting for only nine per 100,000 population as of 2021. The case of Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers represents an anomaly in Singapore’s generally safe tourism environment, where the city-state welcomed 16.5 million international visitors in 2024. Physical crime cases remained stable at 19,969 in 2024, with authorities maintaining vigilant oversight of public safety.
India emerged as Singapore’s third-largest tourism market in 2024, contributing 1.2 million visitors and generating substantial economic benefits. The incident involving Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers does not reflect broader patterns, as Singapore continues attracting quality tourism from diverse markets. Tourism receipts reached record levels between SGD 27.5-29 billion in 2024, demonstrating sustained confidence in Singapore’s safety reputation despite isolated criminal incidents.
Singapore’s reputation as one of the world’s safest cities stems from strict law enforcement, harsh penalties for offenders, and comprehensive crime prevention strategies. The swift resolution of cases involving Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers reinforces Singapore’s commitment to maintaining this safety standard. Robbery cases remain relatively rare, with enhanced CCTV technology and police capabilities contributing to effective crime detection and prevention.
International Implications and Preventive Measures
- Diplomatic considerations: Case highlights importance of tourist education and awareness programs
- Prevention strategies: Enhanced screening and monitoring of tourist activities in vulnerable areas
- Legal awareness: Need for better communication of Singapore’s strict legal framework to international visitors
The case of Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers underscores the importance of educating international visitors about Singapore’s strict legal framework and severe penalties for criminal behavior. Singapore’s zero-tolerance approach toward crime applies equally to all individuals regardless of nationality, ensuring that tourists understand the serious consequences of criminal activity. Enhanced awareness campaigns targeting source markets like India could help prevent similar incidents involving tourists engaging in criminal behavior.
Singapore’s tourism authorities continue promoting the destination as safe and welcoming while maintaining strict enforcement of criminal laws. The swift judicial response to Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers demonstrates Singapore’s ability to balance tourism promotion with public safety priorities. This case serves as a deterrent example for potential offenders while reassuring legitimate tourists about Singapore’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment.
International cooperation between Singapore and source countries like India remains crucial for addressing tourist-related crimes and ensuring proper screening of travelers. The incident involving Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers highlights the need for continued vigilance and effective law enforcement partnerships. Singapore’s success in maintaining low crime rates while welcoming millions of international visitors annually demonstrates the effectiveness of its comprehensive security approach.
Closing Assessment
The sentencing of two Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers in Singapore hotels reflects the city-state’s unwavering commitment to justice and public safety. This case demonstrates that Singapore’s legal system applies strict penalties consistently, regardless of an offender’s nationality or personal circumstances. The five-year imprisonment and mandatory caning sentence serves as a powerful deterrent while reinforcing Singapore’s reputation for maintaining law and order.
Singapore’s ability to balance welcoming international tourists with strict crime enforcement ensures continued safety for all residents and visitors. The swift resolution of this case involving Indian tourists jailed for robbing sex workers showcases the effectiveness of Singapore’s criminal justice system and law enforcement capabilities. As Singapore continues attracting millions of international visitors annually, including 1.2 million from India in 2024, such decisive legal action reinforces the message that criminal behavior will face severe consequences.
This incident ultimately serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to Singapore’s judicial integrity, ensuring that the city-state remains one of the world’s safest destinations while holding all individuals accountable for their actions.
