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Singapore police have questioned nearly 4,000 foreign workers in a widening crackdown following the city-state’s first riot in more than 40 years, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Three more Indian nationals were charged in court on Wednesday with rioting, in addition to 24 compatriots charged a day earlier with the same offence, which is punishable by up to seven years in jail and caning.
An estimated 400 South Asian workers went on the rampage on Sunday night after an Indian construction worker was struck and killed by a private bus in a district known as Little India, leaving 39 police officers and emergency responders injured.
A police spokeswoman said that so far 176 men including those placed under arrest had been taken to a police complex to have their statements recorded.
Around 3,700 foreign workers living in dormitories have been interviewed on site as well, she said.
The breakdown of their nationalities was not given.
A total of 25 vehicles – including 16 police cars – were left damaged or burnt after the fracas.
The 55-year-old Singaporean bus driver who knocked down and killed Indian construction worker Sakthivel Kumaravelu, 33, has been released on bail after being charged with causing death by a negligent act.
Activists have urged authorities to investigate whether the violence on Sunday was an indication of wider discontent among low-wage migrant workers.
Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean, who looks after internal security, said police had increased their presence in worker dormitories and places where foreign workers gather.
“Investigations will continue so that all those who have broken the law will be dealt with strictly, firmly and fairly in accordance with the law,” Teo said in a statement late on Tuesday.
On Wednesday workers were seen installing new surveillance cameras on lampposts along Race Course Road, where the riot broke out.
A makeshift memorial board in memory of Sakthivel had also been erected at the scene.
Local media reported substantially more police patrolling the area.
Singapore’s foreign ministry said it was working closely with the Indian High Commissioner (ambassador) “to facilitate consular access and support for their nationals, including legal representation”.
The wealthy but tiny Southeast Asian nation of 5.4 million depends heavily on guest workers, with labourers from South Asia dominating sectors like construction.
There are nearly 700,000 foreign workers holding permits allowing them to work in certain sectors such as construction and shipping for renewable two-year periods.
Sunday’s riot was the second incident involving a large group of foreign workers in the past year.
In November last year, 171 Chinese bus drivers stopped work to demand better wages and living conditions – the first industrial strike in Singapore since 1986.
Five of the drivers served jail terms after it was declared an illegal strike, while 29 others were deported without trial.


Thousands questioned in widening crackdown after Singapore riot 

Singaporeans pass by a memorial for the deceased migrant worker Sakthivel Kumaravelu at Singapore's Race Course Road, on Wednesday. Photo: Xinhua

Singapore charges 24 Indian workers for rioting 

A group of Indian nationals, who allegedly took part in Singapore's first riot for over 40 years, arrive in a police van at the Subordinate courts to be charged. Photo: AFP

Policemen from the Special Command Operation patrol the streets in Little India on Monday, following a riot by South Asian workers on Sunday. Photo: AFP 

Lee Hsien Loong orders inquiry after Singapore's first riot in four decades

Riot police stand guard as a vehicle goes up in flames after the riot broke out in the Little India district.

Police cars are damaged during the riots. Photo: AP

A man is led away by police after rioting that left 16 police cars damaged. Photo: AFP

Singapore leader Lee Hsien Loong calls for restraint after riot

Policemen stand on the street in Little India on Monday, following a riot the day before by South Asian workers in the worst outbreak of violence in more than 40 years in the tightly controlled city-state. Photo: AFP


27 arrested after Little India riot in Singapore

Riot police stand guard after a riot broke out in Little India. Photo: EPA 

Two police cars flipped to their sides remain in the street after a riot broke out in Singapore. Photo: AFP

Police officers stand guard next to a damaged bus. Photo: AFP

Police officers attend to a man in Singapore's Little India district. Photo: Reuters

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Three more Indian nationals charged in court as police question nearly 4,000 foreign workers


Thousands questioned in widening crackdown after Singapore riot

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Three more Indian nationals charged in court as police question nearly 4,000 foreign workers

Three more Indian nationals charged in court as police question nearly 4,000 foreign workers