Indian National Sentenced to Jail and Caning for Aggravated Molestation

 

A 46-year-old man has been sentenced to four years in prison and six strokes of the cane for the aggravated molestation of a recruiter in a shopping mall nursing room. The incident occurred on the evening of March 1, 2023, at Changi City Point.

The convicted individual, Ankit Sharma, an Indian national who is a Singapore Permanent Resident, had met the 31-year-old victim for the first time that day. The victim, a technology specialist recruiter, had reached out to him after a colleague shared his profile. Their meeting began professionally, discussing employment opportunities for Sharma and his wife over alcoholic drinks at a bar.

The conversation later shifted to personal topics, with Sharma asking the victim intrusive questions about her relationship status and history. The victim grew uncomfortable and excused herself to use the restroom around 8:45 PM, where she texted her boyfriend asking him to check in on her by 9:00 PM, expressing concern that the candidate was "a bit drunk."

Upon returning, Sharma’s questions became more invasive, focusing on her sexual history. Alarmed, the victim excused herself again around 9:20 PM and made calls from the toilet, asking one person to pick her up as "this guy is talking about sex." When she stepped out, Sharma was waiting for her. He grabbed her, tapped the button to open the nursing room door, and pulled her inside.

Inside the nursing room, Sharma forcefully kissed the victim, restrained her arms, and forced her to sit on a chair. He then molested her and repeatedly attempted to remove her underwear. The victim cried for him to stop and stated twice that she was on her period. Sharma asked if she wanted to go to a hotel, which she refused. He then performed a sex act in front of her, during which the victim managed to send text messages for help.

Sharma contested the charge, claiming the victim had initiated the sexual encounter and suggested going to the nursing room. He alleged that he stopped because of a bad smell from her mouth. The court rejected this defence, finding him guilty. The prosecution highlighted the "intense" and "prolonged" nature of the sexual intrusion and the significant distress caused to the victim, who testified to suffering from anxiety and trust issues affecting her work.

The judge sentenced Sharma to four years' imprisonment and six strokes of the cane. The offence of aggravated molestation with wrongful restraint carries a potential penalty of two to ten years' imprisonment and caning.