24 Little India riot suspects charged

Twenty-four Indian nationals who were involved in the riot at Little India on Sunday were charged in court for rioting this afternoon.

The case has been adjourned for a further mention on Dec 17. 

The men, who all appeared in a sombre mood as they appeared before Judge Soh Tze Bian, will continue to be remanded at the Police Cantonment Complex for investigation.

The Judge allowed lawyer Amarick Gill of the Law Society’s pro bono services office, who appeared in court, permission to inform the accused that it was working to secure legal representation for all of them through its Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.

The prosecution also informed the court that the Indian High Commission had already informed the accused of avenues for legal representation.

Speaking to reporters later, a Law Society spokesperson said it will work with the High Commission to provide legal aid and representation to the men.

In a statement this morning, the police said further investigations revealed four of the 28 men who had been arrested in the case were not involved in the incident.

The four — a Singapore permanent resident, an Indian national and two Bangladeshis — have since been released from police custody.

If convicted, the 24 men face up to seven years imprisonment, and with caning.

- Today Online