Indian national jailed, caned in Singapore for molesting a woman at mall
Singapore: An Indian national and Singapore permanent resident, Ankit Sharma, 46, has been sentenced to four years in prison and six strokes of the cane for molesting a woman inside a nursing room at Changi City Point mall.
Sharma was convicted of aggravated outrage of modesty for the March 1, 2023 incident. According to a PTI report, the incident involved a 31-year-old technology specialist recruiter. Court records showed the two had met earlier that evening for the first time after a colleague introduced them. During drinks at a bar, Sharma allegedly steered the conversation into sexual territory. He asked intrusive personal questions, as told by Deputy Public Prosecutor Sheldon Lim in the court.
When the woman returned from the washroom, Sharma dragged her into a nearby nursing room, kissed her forcibly, restrained her, and continued making advances despite her resistance. Prosecutors described the act as “intense and prolonged” and said the level of sexual exploitation was “extremely high.”
Sharma denied wrongdoing, claiming the woman had consented and had suggested entering the nursing room. His defence argued she later fabricated the allegations after he made an unkind remark. The court rejected this version and found him guilty.
The charge carried a penalty of two to ten years in jail and caning. While his lawyer sought a reduced sentence of three to three-and-a-half years with fewer strokes, the court accepted the prosecution’s recommendation of at least four years and six strokes.
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Umpire dies, 15-20 players injured in bee attack during cricket match in Unnao
Unnao/Kanpur (UP) (PTI): A 65-year-old umpire died while several players were injured after a swarm of bees attacked them during a cricket match in Unnao district, police said on Thursday.
A top office-bearer of the Kanpur Cricket Association, which organised the game, confirmed the incident that took place at Sapru Maidan in the Shuklaganj area on Wednesday evening.
According to police officials, Manik Gupta from Kanpur was officiating as the umpire of the cricket match when a swarm of bees suddenly attacked the players and officials present on the ground, triggering panic. Players and spectators ran for cover to save themselves.
Eyewitnesses said Gupta sustained serious injuries in the attack and fell unconscious. He was initially taken to a private hospital in Shuklaganj and later referred to Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital in Kanpur as his condition deteriorated. Doctors at this hospital declared him dead.
Another umpire and around 15 to 20 players also suffered bee stings, police said.
In an official confirmation of the incident, S N Singh, president of the Kanpur Cricket Association, told PTI that umpire Manik Gupta died after being attacked by a swarm of bees during a cricket match in Unnao.
When Gupta was being rushed to the hospital, bees were still clinging to his face and body, Singh said, underscoring the intensity of the attack.
He conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the association, stating that it stands firmly with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.
