Singapore Couple Scalded Son To Death, So Now Prosecution Is Fighting For Life Sentence

The duo had poured hot water, scalding their little boy, which eventually led to his death.

In a horrific incident, Ridzuan Mega Abdul Rahman and his wife Azlin Arujunah allegedly poured hot water, scalding their five-year-old boy, which eventually led to his death in 2016.

Last year, the couple were sentenced to 27 years of jail for voluntarily causing hurt by grievous means to their five-year-old son.

But according to a report in CNA, prosecutors are now appealing for a life sentence for the couple, overturning the previous jail terms imposed on both the parents.

Shocking Type of Bad Parents As They Scald Son With Hot Water

Image courtesy: MS News

The deceased’s father was also sentenced to 24 strokes of the cane, while Azlin was given an additional 12 months in prison in exchange for caning. Singapore law doesn’t permit the caning of girls and women.

The duo have been touted as an example of the many types of bad parents that exist in this world. They subjected their own boy to torture on several occasions.

In 2016 (between October 15 and 22), the five-year-year-old was subjected to four shocking incidents of scalding. They were committed by his parents individually as well as together.

On October 22, Azlin reportedly woke her husband up and asked him to “deal with” their son, who didn’t want to remove his shorts for a shower. The father then hit the boy with a broom and poured hot water on him.

The boy who was already weak from previous scaldings, crouched down as hot water was poured over his body in the washroom of their rented flat. He eventually fell forward and stopped moving.

It was only after his parents feared getting arrested, they took him to the hospital, which was after six hours. The boy then succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead the following morning.

Couple Were Cleared Of Murder Charges

In February 2020, the couple was cleared of murder charges, based on the four acts of scalding in October 2016.

Justice Valerie had then disagreed with the prosecution, as they had not been able to prove the element of common intention, as not all the incidents involved both parents.

Note that the penalty for murder is death or life imprisonment with caning on the island.

It’s tragic that the boy had to endure so much pain. His parents had reportedly hit him so hard with a broomstick, it caused him to limp.

Then they punched the boy in the face causing his nasal bone to fracture and locked him in a cat cage for a prolonged period of time, among all other instances of abuse he was subjected to.

Prosecution Now Demands Life Imprisonment For The Parents

Image courtesy: iStock

On September 7, the prosecutors appealed for the couple to be given a life sentence.

They demanded:

Azlin, in particular, should be convicted of murder by common intention. They further argued that the boy had been abused in the most “inhumane manner”.
The team of prosecutors mentioned the mum of the deceased was legally liable for all four instances of water splashing as she performed three of them and made her husband perform for the fourth time.

The judge for the trial had concluded that both the parents- were respectively found to suffer from low adaptive functioning and adjustment disorder – and did not entirely comprehend the likelihood of death resulting from their actions.

The prosecution, however, did not accept this proposition.

The court will issue its decision later

The judge who heard the appeal informed that the court would make their decision. They, however, didn’t indicate when its ruling would be out.

While we wait for the decision, it’s undeniable that a young child’s life was lost and that too as a result of immense cruelty by his own parents. We hope the offenders are given the appropriate punishment and the boy gets justice soon!

Unfortunately, this is not the first time, that such an incident has happened. There are several types of bad parents who inflict pain and injury on their children existing around us.

If you know anyone or you are a victim yourself, don’t hesitate to seek help.

Singapore Helpline Numbers To Contact In Case Of Child Abuse

Image courtesy: File Photo

If you feel the child’s life and safety is in danger, then call the police at 999 without further delay.

Here are few other numbers in Singapore, which can address your problem.

NAVH: 1800-777 0000
Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221 4444
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800

Stay alert and stay safe!

Source: CNA

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Written by

Sarmistha Neogy

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