Suspect Poh Choon Kiat Taken Back to Chin Swee Road Murder Crime Scene

 

A significant step in the investigation into the fatal stabbing of a 56-year-old man in Chin Swee Road was taken on the morning of November 12, when one of the two men charged with the murder was brought back to the crime scene.

The suspect, Poh Choon Kiat, aged 59, arrived at Block 51 Chin Swee Road at approximately 9:30 am, escorted by police officers. Mr. Poh and his co-accused, Tan Boon Hui, aged 58, were charged with the murder of the victim, Mr. Jaganthan Arunasalam, who died after a fight that occurred on the 17th floor of the block.

Mr. Tan was not present for the site visit as he is currently hospitalized.

During the scene visit, Mr. Poh was outfitted with hand and leg restraints. Investigating officers questioned him extensively, taking him to a unit on the 19th floor and the specific corridor on the 17th floor where the fatal fight is believed to have taken place. Both the 17th and 19th floors were cordoned off and guarded by police personnel throughout the visit. Crime scene forensic officers were present, taking numerous photographs on both levels as part of the evidence gathering process.

The fatal altercation occurred on November 8 between 1 am and 3 am. When police arrived at the scene, Mr. Jaganthan was discovered lying injured and unconscious outside a flat on the 17th floor, believed to be his residence. He was subsequently rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

Both Tan Boon Hui and Poh Choon Kiat were charged with murder on November 9, the day after the incident. Police have confirmed that the two suspects are known to each other. Furthermore, in an unrelated matter, police stated that Mr. Poh was also arrested for drug-related offences, which will be referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau for separate investigation.

A third man, aged 36, who police identified as a friend of the deceased, was also arrested in connection with the incident, but for the lesser offense of affray, and is currently assisting the police with their ongoing investigation.

The high-profile police presence at Block 51 drew the attention of local residents, with curious elderly residents waiting at a nearby park and asking reporters if the police activity was related to the recent murder. Mr. Poh was eventually taken away from the scene in an unmarked black van at about 11:10 am.