Man on trial for maid abuse charged with jumping bail

SINGAPORE — On Tuesday (Oct 20), Rajamanickam Suresh Kumar was supposed to be in court for the second day of his trial for abusing his domestic worker.

But he did not show up and so a warrant of arrest was issued against him.

He was nabbed that evening after he returned home and his wife informed the police.

On Wednesday, Rajamanickam was charged with absconding while out on bail.

The 34-year-old Singapore permanent resident also has to defend himself in the maid abuse trial, after two lawyers who previously represented him discharged themselves.

Rajamanickam is contesting one charge of causing hurt to Ms Vadival Gowthami, a maid in his household, by placing a heated metal spatula on her left forearm on Oct 18, 2018. 

He also claimed trial for using criminal force on her by pulling her wrist the next day.

While in handcuffs, Rajamanickam told the court in Tamil through an interpreter that he did not attend the hearing the day before as he was not feeling well. 

He claimed he was also told it would be adjourned till next month but did not elaborate.

He had been represented by Mr Low Chun Yee from Kalidass Law Corporation who discharged himself as Rajamanickam’s lawyer on Tuesday. 

His previous counsel, Mr Thangavelu, got Mr Low’s help after discharging himself on Monday.

At the latest hearing, Rajamanickam said he would still contest the maid abuse charges despite not having a lawyer. The trial will resume in the afternoon.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Thiagesh Sukumaran told the court that bail should not be offered as there was no evidence of him being medically unfit. 

His wife, who had posted S$5,000 in bail, and lawyers had been unable to reach him. 

It is unclear where Rajamanickam went.

District Judge Ronald Gwee said he would rule on the bail issue at the end of the day once the alleged victim has finished giving evidence on the stand.

If convicted of absconding, Rajamanickam could be jailed up to three years or fined, or both.

Those who fail to surrender to custody or make themselves available for investigations can also be charged with the offence, which took effect in October 2018.

The maximum penalty for causing hurt is up to two years’ jail and a fine of up to S$5,000. Employers of domestic helpers, or those in their household, are liable to one-and-a-half times the punishment — resulting in up to three years’ jail and a fine of up to S$7,500.