Indian-Origin Woman Jailed for Bribing Singapore Police

Radika Rajavarma, a 42-year-old Singaporean of Indian origin, was sentenced to five years, eight months, and four weeks in prison on Thursday for offering a SGD 1,000 bribe to police officers to smoke a cigarette while in custody, alongside multiple drug-related offenses. The sentencing, reported by The Straits Times, also includes an additional 256 days for breaching a remission order.

Rajavarma, a repeat drug offender since 2018, was last convicted in 2020 for methamphetamine consumption, serving three and a half years before her release on bail in June 2022. She was under a five-year remission order and a drug supervision program until 2027. However, she was arrested again on July 29, 2023, after urine tests revealed methamphetamine use. Released on bail the same day, she repeatedly skipped mandatory urine tests and failed to appear in court in October 2023, leading to her re-arrest in December 2024.

The bribery incident occurred on October 4, 2022, following her arrest for drug consumption. Deputy Public Prosecutor Emily Koh stated that Rajavarma, allowed to smoke a few cigarettes post-arrest, offered SGD 1,000 (approximately ₹55,000) to officers for one more cigarette while being transported to the Police Cantonment Complex. The officers rejected the bribe. Court documents highlight her desperation to smoke, despite being in custody, as a key factor in the offense.

Also Read: South Korea’s Ex-First Lady Jailed in Corruption Scandal

Rajavarma pleaded guilty to charges of drug consumption and bribery. Her history of non-compliance, including missing court dates and violating remission terms, led to the extended sentence. Singapore’s strict drug laws and zero-tolerance policy for corruption in law enforcement were evident in the ruling, with the court emphasizing the severity of breaching public trust. No appeal has been reported, and Rajavarma began serving her sentence immediately.

Also Read: Ex-President’s Wife Faces Corruption Probe in Seoul