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Man charged with abusing, assaulting three police officers

SINGAPORE — Standing in the middle of a road and disrupting the flow of traffic, Ganesh Valas Supa Maniam was repeatedly warned by police officers to move on. Instead of taking heed, the 32-year-old allegedly hurled verbal abuse at them and lashed out physically, landing him in court on Monday (Oct 23).

Standing in the middle of a road and disrupting the flow of traffic, Ganesh Valas Supa Maniam was repeatedly warned by police officers to move on. Instead of taking heed, the 32-year-old allegedly hurled verbal abuse at them and lashed out physically. Photo: Najeer Yusof/TODAY

Standing in the middle of a road and disrupting the flow of traffic, Ganesh Valas Supa Maniam was repeatedly warned by police officers to move on. Instead of taking heed, the 32-year-old allegedly hurled verbal abuse at them and lashed out physically. Photo: Najeer Yusof/TODAY

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SINGAPORE — Standing in the middle of a road and disrupting the flow of traffic, Ganesh Valas Supa Maniam was repeatedly warned by police officers to move on. Instead of taking heed, the 32-year-old allegedly hurled verbal abuse at them and lashed out physically, landing him in court on Monday (Oct 23).

Ganesh was prosecuted for six offences, including three counts of assault, two counts of using abusive language at a public servant, and one count of disorderly behaviour. He was not represented by a lawyer and his occupation was not stated in court.

The incident happened at about 6.13pm on Sept 28 last year, after police officers were called in on Ganesh. He had stood in the middle of a road near Block 326, Serangoon Avenue 3, the court was told, although the reason he was doing so was not mentioned.

As the officers approached him, he allegedly shouted vulgarities multiple times at one of them holding the rank of Inspector, then swung his hand at the cheek of a Sergeant.

Subsequently, he allegedly kicked at the third officer, spat on the latter’s shoe and shouted vulgarities at him.

If convicted of disorderly behavior, Ganesh can receive a maximum fine of S$2,000, or a jail term not exceeding six months, or both punishments. For assaulting a public servant, he is liable to a jail term of up to four years with a fine.

Court documents showed that Ganesh was convicted in June 2012 for using abusive language on a police officer. Repeat offenders of this offence can receive a maximum fine of S$10,000, or a jail term not exceeding two years, or both punishments.

Last month, Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam said the problem of Home Team uniformed officers being physically or verbally abused has worsened over the years. The number of such cases has risen by more than 65 per cent since 2014, reaching 484 cases last year.

In light of the rising number of such cases, Mr Shanmugam said the Ministry of Home Affairs has started working with the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to press for “deterrent sentences, harsher sentences” for those who obstruct the work of public servants. He also pointed out that if such an approach does not work, there will be a need to revise the legal framework.

The most recent case of abuse took place in August, when two of three policemen were injured following a violent tussle with a 41-year-old man — suspected of drink-driving — at Ang Mo Kio. One of the officers was hospitalised for head injuries and the other suffered a broken thumb.

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