Singapore Court Sentences Ex-Cop for Fatal Abuse of Myanmar Maid

A Singapore court has sentenced Kevin Chelvam, a 46-year-old former police officer of Indian origin, to ten years in prison for his involvement in the fatal abuse of a domestic worker from Myanmar. This ruling, delivered on July 17, 2025, highlights severe issues regarding domestic worker rights and the treatment of migrant laborers in Singapore. Chelvam was found guilty of multiple charges, including voluntarily causing hurt and abetting grievous hurt through starvation, which contributed to the tragic death of Piang Ngaih Don, who weighed only 24 kilograms at the time of her death on July 26, 2016.

The court revealed that Chelvam, as Don’s legal employer, failed to intervene despite witnessing the maltreatment she endured at the hands of his ex-wife, Gaiyathiri Murugayan, and his mother-in-law, Prema S Narayanasamy. Both women had already received lengthy prison sentences—30 years for Murugayan and 17 years for Narayanasamy—due to their roles in the abuse. Chelvam's actions included concealing evidence and providing false statements to law enforcement, actions that were underscored by video footage showing him present during episodes of abuse.

Judge Teoh Ai Lin expressed that Chelvam's inaction in protecting Don, along with his attempts to destroy evidence, constituted a severe dereliction of duty. Prosecutor Sean Teh emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the starvation and abuse led to irreversible damage, ultimately resulting in Don's death from brain injuries caused by repeated blunt trauma.

The case has sparked significant public outcry and raised questions about the protections afforded to domestic workers in Singapore, particularly those from foreign countries. According to Dr. Melissa Ng, a sociologist specializing in labor rights at the National University of Singapore, “This case exemplifies the urgent need for stronger legislative measures to protect domestic workers and ensure their rights are upheld.”

In response to this case, various advocacy groups have called for comprehensive reforms in labor laws governing domestic workers. The Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME) has been vocal in urging the government to review existing policies that often leave migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation.

This situation is not isolated; it mirrors broader regional issues concerning the treatment of migrant workers across Southeast Asia, where numerous reports have emerged detailing harsh working conditions and abuse. According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) published in 2023, an estimated 50% of domestic workers in the region face some form of abuse or exploitation.

Looking ahead, experts assert that without meaningful reforms, similar cases could continue to surface, perpetuating a cycle of abuse that undermines the rights of domestic workers. As highlighted by Dr. Sarah Johnson, a legal expert in migrant labor laws at Harvard University, “Addressing these systemic issues is critical not only for the protection of workers but also for fostering a fair and ethical labor market.”

The sentencing of Chelvam serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice faced by many domestic workers and the need for relentless advocacy to ensure their safety and dignity are prioritized in the legislative agenda.