Man Sentenced to 35 Months in Jail for Fatal Push Resulting in Drowning

On July 16, a 22-year-old Indian national named Legha Pawan was given a prison sentence of 35 months following the drowning death of Jasbir Singh, a 33-year-old construction worker. Pawan pleaded guilty to the charge of voluntarily causing hurt, which escalated to grievous hurt as it resulted in Singh's death. The initial charge, which was more serious, of causing death by a rash act, had been reduced.

The incident occurred on June 30, last year, when Legha, along with his housemates, was out at Clarke Quay enjoying the evening with beer, cigarettes, and snacks. According to the court, after a few hours of consumption, an argument broke out among Legha's friends. Legha became involved in a minor altercation and was separated from the group when they decided to disperse.

Around 10:10 PM, as Jasbir Singh was walking along the riverbank nearing where Legha had been, he was intoxicated and clung to a lamppost. An hour later, Legha returned to that spot alone and for reasons not clearly understood, pushed Singh in the chest with both hands. This force caused Singh to fall backwards into the river, after which he was submerged and did not come up for air.

The couple nearby who witnessed the event rushed to alert emergency services. Despite efforts from the Singapore Civil Defence Force to locate Singh, it wasn't until early the next morning that divers found his body at the riverbed. An autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death, alongside previous injuries.

Following the incident, Legha attempted to evade detection by changing his clothes and leaving the location swiftly. During police questioning, he claimed that Singh had first initiated the confrontation, alleging that he was provoked. However, investigators found no evidence to support his claims. The prosecution emphasized that Legha was aware of Singh's intoxicated state and that his intentions were evident, as he fled instead of offering help after the incident.

In court, the defense argued for a lesser sentence, noting that both parties had been drinking and that Pawan’s act did not involve a weapon. Nonetheless, the court highlighted various aggravating circumstances, including Legha's actions being unprovoked and his attempt to escape responsibility. The law permits a significant prison term for such an act resulting in grievous hurt, highlighting the severity of the situation.