Two Indian Tourists Jailed and Caned for Robbing Sex Workers in Singapore Hotel
Two Indian tourists, Arokkiyasami, 23, and Rajendran, 27, have been sentenced to five years and one month in jail and 12 strokes of the cane each after being convicted of robbing and assaulting two sex workers in a hotel in Singapore. The sentencing occurred on Friday, October 3rd, 2025.
Details of the Crimes
The court heard that Arokkiyasami and Rajendran arrived in Singapore on April 24th as tourists. Two days later, they were approached by an unidentified man in the Little India area who offered them contact information for sex workers. The men then conspired to rob the women.
In the first incident, the men contacted one of the sex workers and arranged to meet her in a hotel room. After she arrived, they bound her hands and legs with clothing and slapped her. They then stole SGD 2,000 (approximately ₹137,677.44), her passport, and bank cards. The second incident involved a similar scenario, where they robbed the woman of SGD 800 (approximately ₹55,070.98), two mobile phones, and her passport. They also threatened her to not leave the room or seek help.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
The men pleaded guilty to one charge of robbery with hurt, with a second charge taken into consideration for sentencing. Judge Chen Le Xiong noted the premeditated nature of the crimes and the vulnerability of the victims, sentencing each man to five years and one month in prison, along with 12 strokes of the cane. They were arrested on April 27th.
Defendants' Plea for Leniency
During mitigation, both men, unrepresented, pleaded for leniency. Arokkiyasami stated, "My father passed away last year. I have three sisters, one is married, we don't have money. That's why we did this." Rajendran added, "My wife and son are alone in India, they are suffering financially."
Singapore Law
Under Singaporean law, those who voluntarily cause hurt during a robbery can be sentenced to between five and 20 years in prison and face a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.