It all started when a 33-year-old Bangladeshi man was knocked down and killed by a private bus in Little India, Singapore. The incident led to over 400 people taking the streets of the country, hurling railings at police, torching police cars, and an ambulance. Ten police officers were injured, and 27 people were arrested.
Three busloads of police officers in protection gear appeared at the riot that broke out along Race Course Road and Hempshire Road around 10pm last night. It is said that the riot broke out after a fatal traffic accident that took the life of a Bangladeshi man.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said rescuers were trying to extracate the body using a hydraulic rescue equipment, while projectiles were thrown at the personnel.
The Singapore’s Straits Times claimed that the first responders were believed to be attending to the victim when the riot started. However, the Bangladesh High Commissioner released a statement that denied the accusation. Mahbub Uz Zaman said:
“In some press and media reports there has been unsubstantiated news reporting which says that a Bangladeshi worker was hit by a bus that escalated the riot incident”
“I want to categorically state that as per available information the news reports that appeared on a section of media and news involving a Bangladeshi worker is not based on facts.”
The police sought the assistance of the Special Operations Command and Gurkha Contigent to scene in order to control the riot. The public was also advised to stay away from the area. The riot also saw a police patrol car and an ambulance set on fire by rioters.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that “… whatever events may have sparked the rioting, there is no excuse for such violent, destructive, and criminal behaviour.”
“This is a serious incident which has resulted in injuries and damage to public property,” said Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs. “Police will spare no efforts to apprehend the subjects involved in the riot.”
Police commissioner Ng Joo Hee said the incident was the first riot to take place in Singapore after more than 30 years. He condemned it as “intolerable, wanton violence”. “It is not the Singapore way”, he added.
Little India is home to Singapore’s South Asian workforce, bringing in workers from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
More to come.
