Jail and Caning for Sexual Assault in Singapore

In a shocking incident that unfolded in Singapore, Ankit Sharma, a 46-year-old Indian national, has been sentenced to four years in prison and six strokes of the cane for committing aggravated outrage of modesty against a female recruiter.

An Unwelcome Encounter

The disturbing encounter occurred on March 1, 2023, at a nursing room located next to a washroom in Changi City Point mall. Sharma had initially met the 31-year-old victim—a technology specialist recruiter—under professional pretenses after being referred by a colleague. What started as a work-related discussion soon spiraled into uncomfortable and invasive questioning about her personal life.

From Drinks to Distress

Things took a dark turn as Sharma began asking prying questions about her relationship status, which made the victim increasingly uncomfortable. During a visit to the restroom, she texted her boyfriend, alerting him to her discomfort with Sharma’s behavior.

A Nightmarish Situation

After excusing herself again, the victim encountered Sharma waiting for her. Without warning, he forcibly pulled her into the nursing room, where he initiated a distressing sexual assault. Despite her pleas for him to stop, Sharma continued his aggressive behavior, attempting to carry out multiple sexual acts.

Courtroom Drama and Contradicting Claims

During the trial, Sharma's defense claimed that the victim had initiated advances toward him, suggesting they go to the nursing room for intimate acts. However, the court found his actions reprehensible, citing the severity and intensity of the assault.

A Victim’s Struggles

The victim's testimony revealed long-lasting emotional turmoil stemming from the ordeal, leaving her with deep trust issues and affecting her professional life. Prosecutors emphasized the severe impact of Sharma's actions, arguing the degree of sexual exploitation was alarmingly high.

A Fitting Sentence?

Sharma's lawyer sought a lesser sentence, comparing it to other cases, but the prosecution maintained that a harsher punishment was warranted due to the forceful and prolonged nature of the assault. Under Singaporean law, aggravated molestation with wrongful restraint can lead to severe penalties, ranging from two to ten years of imprisonment.