- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 05 Mar 2025 04:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Singapore authorities have sentenced a 26-year-old Indian national to seven months in jail after he broke into his neighbor’s home and molested a woman while she was asleep. The convict, identified as Erakkodan Abinraj, pleaded guilty to one count of molestation, as reported by Channel News Asia.
The shocking incident occurred in the early hours of September 22, 2024, when Abinraj trespassed into the victim’s condominium unit through the kitchen balcony, which connected his residence to hers. At approximately 4:50 AM, he entered the apartment and wandered through the rooms before making his way into the master bedroom.
The 36-year-old victim, whose identity remains undisclosed due to a court-imposed gag order, was sleeping in the master bedroom alongside her husband. Their young daughter was asleep in another room.
As Abinraj approached the bed, he proceeded to touch the victim’s underwear while she was asleep. Startled by the sensation of someone touching her, she woke up and was initially confused to see her husband lying beside her. Upon turning to the other side, she saw Abinraj standing nearby, holding his mobile phone with its torchlight switched on.
Realising the presence of an intruder, the victim screamed in shock, waking her husband. The husband immediately confronted Abinraj and ordered him to leave the room.
Panic And Arrest
Overcome with fear, Abinraj urinated on himself and begged the couple not to call the police. Despite his pleas, the woman alerted the authorities, and he remained inside the apartment until law enforcement officers arrived.
When questioned by the couple, Abinraj initially denied molesting the woman. Instead, he falsely claimed that his mobile phone had accidentally fallen on her, causing her to wake up. However, he later admitted to breaking into the unit through the kitchen balcony.
Court Proceedings And Sentencing
During the court hearing, Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Kathy Chu highlighted the gravity of the offense, stating, "The offence took place in the victim’s bedroom, in the middle of the night. The accused invaded the sanctity of the home."
DPP Chu also emphasised that the victim was particularly vulnerable as she was asleep when the crime occurred. Furthermore, Abinraj caused further distress to the family by urinating inside their home. Prosecutors sought a six to eight-month jail term, and the court sentenced Abinraj to seven months in prison.
