Migrant worker Chinnaiah Karthik, 21, has been charged with aggravated rape after he attacked and raped a 23-year-old university student near the Kranji War Memorial.
According to a Chinese daily, the victim had been walking along Turf Club Avenue around 1.30am on May 4 when Chinnaiah approached her. It is unclear whether the attack was premeditated or whether victim had been jogging or walking home at the time of the incident.
Court documents show that the victim tried to defend herself but was overpowered by the accused who attacked her before dragging her to a nearby forested area between the Singapore Turf Club and Kranji War Memorial, where he raped her.
The police identified Chinnaiah, who is an Indian national, through CCTV footage and arrested him near his dormitory in an ambush on May 5. The Chinese daily reported that the accused was remanded and charged in court on May 7.
Investigations are ongoing. The accused, who could face an 8-20 year jail term and at least 12 strokes of the cane if convicted, will return to the High Court on June 7.
Netizens responding to the case on social media have condemned the accused as they express worry that such serious crimes are occurring in Singapore:
