Singapore: A Singapore court sentenced 28-year-old Vishnu Suriyamurthy, an Indian-origin man, to six weeks in prison for his role in a gang-related fight that led to the death of a youth from another gang.
The case, which took place after a violent altercation at the Concorde Hotel and Shopping Mall on August 20, 2023, remains under judicial scrutiny.
Background of case
On the morning of August 20, 2023, a dispute between two rival gangs escalated into a violent clash outside the Club Roomers at Concorde Hotel and Shopping Mall. The fight resulted in the death of 29-year-old Mohammed Israt Mohammed Ismail. The altercation began around 6 am when members of Israt’s gang and Vishnu’s gang began hurling abuses at each other.
The situation turned deadly when another gang member, 30-year-old Sukumaran, allegedly used Israt’s own knife to attack him. Israt succumbed to his injuries, and the case against Sukumaran is still ongoing. Vishnu’s involvement in the altercation led to his sentencing.
Court’s decision and warning
Vishnu was found guilty of intentionally attacking with a deadly weapon during the fight. The court noted his history of criminal behavior, including previous convictions for intentionally causing harm and illegal gambling. For the gambling offense, he was fined SGD 2,000.
While sentencing him, the court remarked on Vishnu’s young age and the importance of reflecting on his future. The judge urged him to avoid actions that could ruin his life and warned against repeating such incidents.
Vishnu has a long history of criminal activity, including multiple jail terms for violent behavior. According to reports, he had been barred from entering Club Roomers due to a prior altercation with the hotel owner. On the night of the incident, Vishnu and his friends had been partying since the early hours.
Despite being banned, Vishnu’s group gathered outside the club as it was closing, where the fight broke out. During the altercation, Vishnu sustained injuries and was later arrested by police from the hospital where he sought treatment.
