At least five incidents of ragging have been reported in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in the past eight years.
This is according to information on past incidents released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, following the death of a SCDF full-time national serviceman on May 13, 2018.
This is the first death that has occurred in the SCDF, allegedly as a result ragging activities.
Punishments meted out
The punishments meted out involved the errant officers being sent to the SCDF Detention Barracks for a period ranging from three to 40 days.
MHA said on May 15 that the SCDF adopts a zero tolerance policy against unauthorised activities, such as ragging, and “continually reinforces the deterrent measures against such activities”.
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Here are the details of the cases that have been made public by MHA:
Case 1
In May 2010, two new officers were coerced by their colleagues to undergo an initiation session at the station's pump well. They entered the well, and one of them later reported the incident to the SCDF.
Punishment
Seven officers were involved in the incident. They were punished with penalties ranging from 15 to 23 days of detention in SCDF Detention Barracks, depending on their actual role and involvement.
Case 2
In April 2014, as an initiation ritual, two officers used a water hose to spray water at two new officers. The also used a dirty mop to rub and hit the two new officers' heads and bodies. They were also made to perform push-ups. The two new officers later reported the incident to the SCDF.
Punishment
One errant officer was punished with 30 days detention, while the other errant officer was punished with 40 days of detention.
Case 3
In January 2015, three officers subjected another officer to an initiation ritual by splashing water on the officer using a water hose in the toilet. The officer's father reported the incident to the SCDF.
Punishment
The three errant officers were punished with detention ranging from 30 to 40 days, depending on their actual role and involvement.
Case 4
In August 2015, as an initiation ritual for a new officer, four officers sprayed white paint onto the victim's chest, thighs and back. A fellow officer witnessed the incident and reported it..
Punishment
The four errant officers were each punished with 10 days of detention.
Case 5
In March 2015, three officers applied toothpaste and used a spray bottle to spray water at three other officers who were sleeping. They were carrying out a farewell ritual for their three bunkmates prior to their passing out parade. One of the officers reported the incident to the SCDF.
Punishment
The three errant officers were punished with detention ranging from three to 14 days, depending on their actual role and involvement.
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