Indian Man Sentenced for Breaking into Neighbor’s Condo and Molesting Woman
Erakkodan Abinraj, a 26-year-old Indian man, received a seven-month prison term for breaking into his neighbor’s home and molesting a woman while she slept. The incident occurred in Singapore on September 22, 2024, raising concerns about personal safety and legal accountability for such crimes. Despite the defense’s claims of mental distress, the court emphasized the vulnerability of the victim and the impact of Abinraj’s actions.
A 26-year-old Indian national, Erakkodan Abinraj, has been sentenced to seven months in jail for unlawfully entering his neighbor’s condominium and molesting a woman. Reported by Channel News Asia, he pleaded guilty to one count of molestation; a related count of housebreaking was considered during sentencing. The incident occurred on September 22, 2024, while the victim was asleep in her bedroom with her husband.
During the early hours of that morning, Abinraj accessed the couple’s home through their kitchen balcony, which adjoined their two condominiums. As the 36-year-old woman and her husband slept, Abinraj used his phone’s torch to navigate to their master bedroom. He touched her inappropriately, waking her from sleep, prompting her to realize his presence in a vulnerable situation.
The woman screamed, waking her husband, who confronted Abinraj. In a panic, Abinraj urinated in the couple’s bedroom and implored the husband not to contact law enforcement. Despite his admission of breaking and entering, Abinraj claimed that his cell phone, which fell on her, was the cause of her awakening.
Prosecutors sought a sentence of six to eight months, emphasizing the woman’s vulnerability during the incident while highlighting Abinraj’s urination as an additional violation. In his defense, Abinraj’s attorney described his client as coming from a humble background, advocating for a seven-month sentence. They cited the recent suicide of Abinraj’s grandmother, arguing it contributed to his mental distress during the event.
The prosecution countered by stating that Abinraj was not officially diagnosed with a mental disorder, though his lawyer asserted he experienced “normal depression” connected to his family issues. Ultimately, the court’s ruling balanced Abinraj’s actions against his defense arguments, resulting in his seven-month imprisonment for the felony.
In conclusion, Erakkodan Abinraj’s case underscores critical issues surrounding personal safety and the legal repercussions of trespassing and molestation. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of such crimes, particularly against vulnerable individuals. Despite the defense’s arguments regarding mental health and family circumstances, the severity of Abinraj’s actions warranted a term of imprisonment to both punish and deter similar offenses in the future.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
