Five teenage boys arrested after knife used in bullying incident caught on video
Five boys aged between 12 and 15 were arrested on 10 July, 2025, for suspected rioting after a video showed one teen having a knife held to his throat by another boy. Two boys, aged 13 and 15, have been charged, with the older teen also facing an additional charge of carrying an offensive weapon in public.
SINGAPORE: Five teenage boys aged between 12 and 15 were arrested on 10 July, 2025, for suspected rioting offences linked to a bullying incident that has caused public uproar. According to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, police confirmed that two of the boys, aged 13 and 15, were charged on 16 July, 2025, with causing hurt. The 15-year-old was additionally charged with carrying an offensive weapon in a public place. The case gained widespread attention after a disturbing video was posted in the Facebook group Complaint Singapore on 23 July, 2025. The footage shows a teenage boy surrounded by a group who threaten him. One aggressor brandishes a butterfly knife and holds it to the victim’s throat, demanding he “tell the truth”. The aggressor accuses the victim of frightening his friend and issues an ultimatum: “kena whacked” or go naked. Off-camera, another boy can be heard reinforcing the threat, giving the victim the option of being punched five times in the stomach or stripping naked. Fearing more violence, the victim reluctantly chooses to strip before the video ends.
The incident has triggered outrage online, with many demanding swift and firm action. Under Singapore law, those found guilty of possessing a scheduled weapon can be jailed for up to five years and face at least six strokes of the cane. Police investigations into the remaining three teenagers are ongoing. According to CNA, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said it is aware of a video of an assault circulating on social media and confirmed that those involved are under police investigation. The ministry stressed that such behaviour is unacceptable and has no place in society. It also stated that the school is providing support to the affected student and his family.
