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Drunk man tasered by police already facing 7 charges, now charged with 3 new offences

Singapore police tasering a drunk man who had attempted to assault an officer. The man was charged on Wednesday (12 June). (PHOTO: Screenshot/Roads SG Facebook page)
Police officers tasering a man who had attempted to assault an officer. The man was charged on Wednesday (12 June). (PHOTO: Screenshot/Roads SG Facebook page)

SINGAPORE — He kicked two wooden benches at Duxton Plain Park, and caused annoyance to the public while drunk on Sunday (9 June). Then, when confronted by police officers at Everton Park, he attempted to assault one of them.

Indian national Murugesan Ragupathiraja, 25, was then tasered by the police, in a scene that was filmed by a passerby and posted on social media.

On Wednesday, Murugesan was charged with three new offences, in addition to seven other charges he is already facing. As he had been out on bail when he allegedly committed the fresh offences, he also had his bail revoked.

He is set to return to court on 9 July.

Made gesture in preparation of using criminal force

According to the court documents relating to the latest offences, Murugesan was charged with attempting to assault Station Inspector Abdul Rahim Jumat at Block 1, Everton Park on Sunday.

Murugesan allegedly made a gesture in preparation of using criminal force, with the intention of deterring the police officer from discharging his duty as a public servant.

He was also charged with causing annoyance to the public while drunk at the block, as well as kicking two wooden benches at Duxton Plain Park, causing damages amounting to $911.40, according to the charge sheets.

In the video circulated on social media, Murugesan was seen arguing with police officers at Everton Park. He then charged at one of the officers, who drew his baton in response. Another officer then discharged his taser, and the officers arrested Murugesan while he was immobilised.

Other charges such as robbery, spitting at officer

According to CNA, the other charges Murugesan faces include robbing a man of $160, an ATM card and a bag after rubbing red powder – believed to be chilli powder – into the victim's eyes; using indecent words on a public officer inside a Certis CISCO auxiliary police van; and spitting at an auxiliary police officer and slapping each side of an auxiliary police officer's face.

If convicted of assaulting a police officer to deter him from discharging his duty, he could be jailed for up to four years and/or fined.

If found guilty of causing annoyance to the public while drunk, he could be jailed for up to six months and/or fined a maximum of $1,000.

For damaging the wooden benches, he could be jailed for up to two years and/or fined.

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