Singapore: An Indian-origin man, M Krishnan, was sentenced to 20 years in jail on Monday for culpable homicide not amounting to murder after he assaulted his girlfriend, Mallika Begum Rahamansa Abdul Rahman, leading to her death on January 17, 2019. Krishnan, 40, pleaded guilty in the High Court last week, as reported by “TODAY” newspaper.
Krishnan’s sentence was backdated to the date of his arrest. Justice Valerie Thean remarked that despite Krishnan’s claims of reformation in 2018 (after another offence of abusing police officers), he continued to abuse his wife and girlfriend. She noted that Krishnan’s intermittent explosive disorder, combined with alcohol, influenced his violent actions.
The court learned that in November 2015, Krishnan’s wife discovered him and Mallika drinking alcohol in their marital home’s master bedroom. An argument ensued, during which Krishnan physically assaulted his wife who later received a personal police protection order. Despite this, Krishnan and Mallika continued their relationship until Mallika’s death.
In early 2019, Krishnan’s abuse intensified after Mallika admitted to having relationships with other men, even while Krishnan was in jail in 2018. On January 15, 2019, Krishnan assaulted Mallika severely after she confessed to cheating while they were drinking alcohol. The assault led to Mallika sustaining fatal injuries, including a head injury and multiple fractures. Krishnan called emergency services after realizing Mallika was unresponsive but was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
After his arrest, Krishnan was diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder, a condition characterized by impulsive anger outbursts. The court noted that alcohol intoxication likely exacerbated his violent tendencies.
During the sentencing, Deputy Public Prosecutor Timotheus Koh emphasized Krishnan’s history of violence and urged the court to send a clear message against such violent behavior.
Krishnan’s lawyer highlighted his client’s early plea, cooperation during investigations, and efforts to control alcohol intake. However, he also acknowledged that Krishnan’s judgment was affected by Mallika’s relationships with other men.
