Indian jailed for role in riots in Singapore

An Indian national found guilty of obstructing a policeman during the December riots here was Monday sentenced to five months in jail, the media reported.

Mahalingam Thavamani, 27, was found guilty of obstructing Deputy Superintendent of Police N. Subramaniam from dispersing a crowd near the scene of the riots, Channel News Asia reported.

He could have been jailed up to eight years.

The riots in Little India erupted Dec 8 night when a private bus knocked down and killed an Indian construction worker.

About 400 people attacked the bus as well as police and rescue vehicles. The violence lasted almost two hours before riot police brought the situation under control.

A total of 25 emergency vehicles were damaged along with five that were set on fire while 39 police officers and four civil defence and auxiliary officers were injured.

In all 25 Indians, working in Singapore, were charged with rioting. - IANS