Court Cases
Former PA officer jailed 10.5 years for sexually assaulting 16-year-old boy
A former People’s Association officer has been jailed for 10.5 years on 3 March for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in 2007. The victim, who aspired to be a singer, was manipulated and abused. The judge highlighted the accused’s abuse of authority and the lasting trauma caused. The accused is appealing the conviction.
SINGAPORE: A former People’s Association (PA) employee, who previously worked with young people, has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in jail for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in 2007.
Ranjeet Prasad, who manipulated the teenager with aspirations of becoming a singer or actor, was found guilty of three counts of committing acts of carnal intercourse against the order of nature, state media The Straits Times reported.
According to a judgment dated 3 March, District Judge John Ng highlighted Prasad’s abuse of authority and the profound impact the incidents had on the victim’s life.
The judge noted that the victim, who had a girlfriend at the time, was left questioning his sexual orientation and future prospects for marriage.
Prasad first met the victim in 2007 at an office in Paya Lebar, where he managed PA’s community projects in the South East and North West community development councils (CDCs).
He also oversaw the South East CDC’s youth network programme, which the victim joined with enthusiasm due to his interest in modelling.
Exploiting Dreams: How the Accused Lured the Victim with False Promises
According to ST, the victim testified that he was initially excited to join the youth network as it involved modelling, aligning with his aspirations of becoming a singer or actor.
During a subsequent meeting, Prasad asked the victim if he was interested in modelling, praising his potential and expressing interest in working with him.
Noticing the victim’s enthusiasm, Prasad took down his contact details and later messaged him. In one conversation, Prasad asked the victim “how far he was willing to go” and whether he had ever performed oral sex. The victim, confused, replied that he had not.
Some time later, Prasad invited the teen to his office. The victim agreed, believing it could lead to a photo shoot or a talent opportunity.
At the time, he dismissed Prasad’s earlier sexual question as playful. However, in the office, Prasad asked if the teen was “adventurous” and took him to a public toilet, where he coerced the boy into performing a sexual act in a cubicle.
A week or two later, Prasad arranged another meeting. The victim agreed, again thinking it was for an audition or photo shoot. Instead, Prasad took him to a hotel, undressed, and instructed the boy to do the same. Feeling pressured, the victim complied, and Prasad sexually assaulted him.
Years later, on 24 July 2018, the victim contacted Prasad via Facebook Messenger, seeking to confront him about the lasting trauma caused by the abuse.
After an exchange of messages and a phone call, Prasad blocked the victim on social media.
On 30 May 2020, the victim emailed Prasad’s work account, accusing him of manipulation and detailing the assaults in the carpark toilet and hotel room. When Prasad did not respond, the victim filed a police report on 24 August 2020.
Judge Condemns Exploitation
During the trial, Prasad denied the allegations. However, District Judge John Ng found the victim’s account credible, noting the detailed and consistent description of the incidents.
The judge emphasised that the victim had no motive to lie and was hindered from speaking out earlier due to his religious upbringing.
In sentencing, Judge Ng condemned Prasad’s exploitation of a vulnerable teenager, stating that the accused’s promises of a bright future were a corruptive ploy to satisfy his own desires.
Prasad, who was suspended by PA in September 2020 and dismissed on 23 October 2024 following his conviction, is appealing against the verdict and sentence.
The PA stated that it takes a serious view of the offences and has stringent standards of conduct for its staff.
