A father of four children is said to have allegedly splashed hot water repeatedly on his 5-year-old son which ultimately caused the death of the boy.
The 24-year-old man was charged with causing grievous hurt to his son by means of a heated substance on Monday (24 October).
The incident was said to have taken place at a HDB flat at Block 160, Toa Payoh Lorong 1 on Saturday (22 October) between noon and 8.48 pm.
The five-year-old boy was conveyed to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital where he succumbed the next day.
The names of the father and the son were not mentioned due to a gag order. The father’s charge sheet did not specify further details of the case.
According to The New Paper (TNP), the hospital called the police after the boy was admitted as they suspected the injuries were not accidental and the case has been classified as unnatural death.
Neighbors said that the family moved in to the rental flat around two years ago. Mr Chua Woon Teck, the next-door-neighbor, told TNP that the couple was at their early twenties and they had four children. However, he was not sure how old the children are, saying “I’ve seen the eldest in school uniform, and the youngest was always pushed around in a pram.”
The three siblings have been placed in foster care temporarily by the Child Protective Service, according to the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
It is said that the ministry is also working closely with the family and also professionals to ensure the children’s safety and well-being.
The father is being remanded and his case will be mentioned on 31 October.
For voluntarily causing grievous hurt using any instrument, weapon or by means of fire or heated substance, the maximum punishment is a life term or up to 15 years’ jail with a fine or caning.
