Five teenagers have been arrested for their suspected involvement in a case of rioting at Qihua Primary School, according to a statement released by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on September 25. The arrests follow the circulation of a video on social media showing a boy in a Qihua Primary School uniform being assaulted by older youths. The police emphasised their serious stance on such acts of violence and assured that they would take appropriate legal action against the offenders. Investigations are ongoing.
Background
The incident came to light after a video went viral on social media, depicting a young boy from Qihua Primary School being punched and kicked by an older youth in a black t-shirt. The boy, seen apologising and repeatedly saying “it hurts,” was subjected to further humiliation in a subsequent photo posted on SGFollowsAll’s Telegram page. The photo showed the boy surrounded by three youths, one of whom had his foot propped on the boy’s shoulder, with a slipper placed on the boy’s head. The trio were also seen posing with cigarettes. Qihua Primary School has acknowledged the incident and confirmed that it is under police investigation. The school has provided counselling to the affected students and is working closely with their parents to ensure their well-being.
The video
The 43-second video, which has been widely shared, shows the Qihua Primary School pupil being punched twice in the stomach by an older boy, causing him to double over in pain. A male voice can be heard in the background saying “Lagi, lagi, lagi,” urging the assailant to continue the assault. The video has sparked outrage and concern among the public, leading to swift action by the authorities.
School’s response
In response to queries from Fathership, Qihua Primary School stated, “The safety and well-being of our students is our priority. We have provided counselling to the affected students and are working closely with their parents to ensure the well-being of all involved.” The school has assured that it is cooperating fully with the police investigation and taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
Police statement
The Singapore Police Force reiterated their commitment to addressing acts of violence and maintaining law and order. “The police take a serious view of such acts of violence and blatant disregard of the law,” the SPF stated. “We will not hesitate to take action and deal with the offenders in accordance with the law.” The police have urged the public to report any similar incidents and assured that they are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of students.
Community reaction
The incident has prompted a strong reaction from the community, with many expressing their shock and dismay at the violence depicted in the video. Parents and educators have called for increased vigilance and stricter measures to prevent bullying and ensure the safety of students in schools. The case has also sparked discussions on social media about the need for better support systems for victims of bullying and more effective intervention strategies.
Future implications
The arrests and ongoing investigation highlight the importance of addressing bullying and violence in schools. Authorities and educational institutions are expected to review and strengthen their policies and procedures to prevent such incidents. The case serves as a reminder of the need for a collective effort from parents, educators, and the community to create a safe and supportive environment for all students.
