SINGAPORE – A simple case of forgetfulness turned into a major incident when a security officer left a dummy bomb at Sing Industrial Complex, leading to a bomb scare and a hefty deployment of emergency services.
Incident Overview
On 5 January 2024, security officer Durendran Vicknesh Venkatraman, 49, abandoned his post for more than five hours, which ultimately led to a significant security response. A dummy device, part of a planned security exercise, was mistaken for a real improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in over 100 individuals being evacuated or barred from entering the complex while the situation was assessed.
Details of the Security Exercise
The incident occurred during a red team exercise arranged by One Imperial Security, aimed at testing the effectiveness of the on-duty security officer. Freelance consultants Linette Soon and Kelvin Koh were tasked with the operation. Their plan involved one consultant distracting Durendran while the other secretly placed a fake bomb.
Timeline of Events
- 8pm, 4 January 2024: Durendran begins his shift at the complex.
- 11:20pm: He leaves the post to meet friends at Oxley Tower, neglecting to inform anyone.
- 4:25am, 5 January 2024: Consultants arrive to find the guardhouse empty and left the dummy bomb behind.
- 5:05am: Durendran returns to the guardhouse but forgets to dispose of the fake device despite instructions.
- 8am: He hands over his shift without mentioning the bomb, leading to a police alert when the next officer discovers it.
Legal Consequences
Durendran pleaded guilty to charges including leaving his post without a valid reason and falsifying duty records. He is facing serious repercussions, with potential jail time on the horizon. His sentencing is scheduled for 17 December 2024.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of diligence in security roles, as the repercussions of negligence can extend far beyond an individual’s responsibilities.