SINGAPORE – Karrtik Stalniraj, a 25-year-old Singaporean, has been handed a new sentence while serving time for a previous robbery conviction. The latest incident involves a brutal attack on a fellow inmate with an improvised weapon, leaving the victim with a permanent facial scar.
Background
Karrtik was already jailed for over five years due to a robbery in Jurong East where his group stole $48,000 from a licensed moneylender in November 2020. On 1 November 2024, he received an additional three years and two months, plus four strokes of the cane, for his latest crime.
The Incident
- Date: 13 December 2022
- Victim: Kesava Vinayaga Murthi
- Type of Injury: 15cm laceration on the left cheek
According to court documents, the altercation stemmed from disputes about laundry procedures and Karrtik’s family visits. Karrtik’s frustration escalated when he encountered Kesava while holding an improvised blade—fashioned from tape and likely intended to be non-lethal.
The Build-Up
Prior to the assault, Karrtik was disturbed multiple times during visitors’ sessions with his parents, which heightened his agitation. Defence lawyer Wee Hong Shern highlighted that Karrtik attempted to defuse the situation by reporting his laundry complaint without implicating the victim.
Sentencing and Legal Response
During the trial, Deputy Public Prosecutor Yee Jia Rong stated that Karrtik’s actions were particularly troubling due to his history of violence and the fact that the assault occurred in prison, a place designed for rehabilitation. His previous conviction for armed robbery in May 2022 weighed heavily against him.
In court, Karrtik claimed he was troubled by the impact of his actions on his parents and expressed a desire to turn his life around post-release. Mr Wee attempted to argue for a lighter sentence by noting the confined environment of the prison made conflicts unavoidable.
Implications of the Assault
This incident sheds light on the broader issues within the prison system, particularly regarding inmate management and conflict resolution. Karrtik’s case serves as a reminder of the inherent challenges of keeping peace among inmates, even amidst efforts to rehabilitate.
The court’s decision reflects a serious stance on violent behaviour, particularly within the confines of a rehabilitation facility, underlining the judicial system’s commitment to maintaining safety and order.