SINGAPORE: The three men who were involved in a scuffle that broke out during the Thaipusam procession last year have denied assaulting and verbally abusing policemen after a group of devotees was told to stop playing drums.
A policeman who was at the scene on Feb 3, 2015 testified on Monday (Nov 21) that the men turned “aggressive” and refused to comply with the officers’ directions. Assistant Superintendent Patrick Chan told the court that the men turned rowdy and were “shouting at the top of (their voices)” and gesticulating wildly. They turned violent when officers tried to arrest them, ASP Chan said.
Footage played in court showed a chaotic scene of devotees in protest and a heavy police presence at the junction of Serangoon and Desker Roads. At one point, officers were seen forming a human barricade in an attempt to control the disorderly crowd.
The playing of musical instruments has been banned at all foot processions, including religious events, since 1973.
However, police allowed it at designated points during this year's Thaipusam procession, following recommendations proposed by the Hindu Endowments Board based on feedback from the Hindu community.
Ramachandra Chandramohan, 34, faces seven charges - three for assaulting three policemen, two for verbally abusing an officer and one each for disorderly behavior and for wounding the religious feelings of a Malay officer by insulting Allah.
His co-accused Gunasegaran Rajendran, 35, and Jaya Kumar Krishnasamy, 29, face two and three charges respectively, including one each for disorderly behavior.
Ramachandra accused officers of manhandling him and his co-accused by pulling their collars, while Gunasegaran claimed officers had pushed his wife. He also denied joining Ramachandra in wounding the religious feelings of a Malay officer, saying he “did not utter those words”. Instead, he claimed it was another officer who had made an “anti-religious remark” to him, and questioned why that officer was not charged.
If convicted of disorderly behavior, the men face up to a month’s jail or a fine of up to S$1,000.
For assaulting a police officer, Ramachandra faces up to seven years’ jail and caning. The offence of wounding the religious feelings of a person carries up to three years’ jail and a fine.
The trial continues.
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