An Indian-origin man, M. Krishnan, has been sentenced to 20 years in jail for the intentional murder of his girlfriend, Mallika Begum Rahamansa Abdul Rahman, in Singapore. The incident, which occurred in 2019, included Krishnan severely assaulting Mallika for her relationships with other men.
The case, which unfolded in the High Court, revealed a history of abuse and violence within their relationship. Krishnan's sentencing was pushed back to the date of his arrest.
The court proceedings shed light on the events leading to Mallika's death. In November 2015, Krishnan's wife discovered him and Mallika drinking alcohol in their marital home, sparking a confrontation that resulted in Krishnan physically assaulting his wife. This incident led to a personal police protection order against Krishnan.
Despite the fight, Krishnan and Mallika continued their relationship. However, court documents indicated that Krishnan had previously assaulted Mallika over minor matters, but the abuse increased in early 2019 after Mallika admitted to having sexual relations with other men.
On January 15, 2019, after Mallika confessed to cheating on him, Krishnan subjected her to a violent assault, kicking, slapping, and punching her. Mallika sought medical treatment the following day, revealing bruises and abrasions from the attack.
Tragically, the violence didn't end there. On the night of January 16, 2019, Krishnan assaulted Mallika again, resulting in her death. He called emergency services after realizing she was unresponsive, but Mallika was declared dead upon their arrival.
An autopsy revealed that Mallika had died from a head injury, with multiple bruises indicating a history of abuse. Further investigation revealed Krishnan was diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder, which is characterized by impulsive anger outbursts.
During sentencing, Justice Valerie Thean highlighted Krishnan's pattern of domestic abuse, noting that his disorder and alcohol consumption contributed to his violent actions. She emphasized the seriousness of the offense, leading to Krishnan's 20-year jail term.
The prosecution sought a prison sentence of 15 to 18 years, underscoring the need to prevent such violence. Deputy Public Prosecutor Timotheus Koh emphasized Krishnan's history of socially unacceptable behavior and urged the court to send a clear message against such violence.
No mitigating weight should be placed on whatever emotions the accused was feeling after the deceased's confessions to him about her relations with other menTimotheus Koh, Deputy Public Prosecutor
Krishnan's lawyer emphasized his client's early guilty plea, cooperation with authorities, and efforts to control his alcohol intake. However, the lawyer acknowledged that Mallika's relationships with other men had affected Krishnan's judgment, leading to tragic consequences.
The story highlights the damage caused by domestic violence and the significance of addressing underlying issues such as mental health and substance misuse. Mallika's tragic death underscores the critical need for steps to prevent and address such violence in relationships.
Overall, Krishnan's imprisonment represents a significant step toward holding criminals of domestic abuse accountable and finding justice for victims like Mallika.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)