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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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
