50-Year-Old Indian-Origin Man Pleads Guilty For Attempting To Have Sex With Minor In Singapore

A 50-year-old Indian-origin warrant officer serving in the Singapore Armed Forces has pleaded guilty to one charge of penetrating a minor below 16 in 2021.

According to The Straits Times, Subramaniam Thaburan Rangasamy, who aided the minor after she fell on stairs in a car park, is expected to face two additional charges during his sentencing scheduled for February 1.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Sunil Nair detailed the incident occurring on December 6, 2021, when the victim, then a Secondary 3 student and now 17, was descending from the car park's fifth floor, fell, struck a door, and received assistance from Subramaniam.

Following her fall, they conversed for about an hour on one of the car park's levels, during which their interaction turned intimate. Despite Subramaniam attempting intercourse unsuccessfully, they exchanged contact details before parting ways.

Subsequent communication via WhatsApp between them was not of a sexual nature. Two days later, the victim reported the incident to the police, feeling that Subramaniam had taken advantage of her.

The prosecution clarified that Subramaniam was not misled about the victim's age at any point, emphasising that he neither coerced nor pressured her into intimacy.

Responding to The Straits Times, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed Subramaniam's suspension from duty since his arrest. The spokesperson added that pending court proceedings, the Singapore Armed Forces will take further action, including the possibility of discharging him from service.

The Ministry emphasised their high standards of discipline and integrity within the Armed Forces, asserting that personnel who commit offenses will face legal consequences.

Subramaniam potentially faces a sentence of up to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine, or both for the offense of engaging in sexual activity with a minor below 16.