Singapore Law Minister orders probe into alleged racial discrimination faced by Indian-origin officer before death

Singapore's Law and Home Affairs Minister, K. Shanmugam, asked the Singapore Police Force (SPF) to investigate allegations of racial discrimination and bullying made by Indian-origin police officer Uvaraja Gopal, 36, before his death. Shanmugam offered condolences and said SPF must be accountable. SPF committed to non-discrimination and will investigate the facts. Gopal's post, which mentioned a toxic work culture, was deleted but screenshots were reposted.

Singapore’s Law and Home Affairs Minister, K. Shanmugam had asked the Singapore Police Force (SPF) to investigate claims made by an Indian-origin police officer who said he faced racial discrimination and bullying at the workplace, among other allegations just before he died.

Uvaraja Gopal, 36, identified as a police officer, was found lying motionless at the foot of an apartment block in the Yishun housing estate and was transported to the hospital on Friday, where he died.

In a Facebook post on Friday evening, Mr. Shanmugam offered his deepest condolences to Gopal's family and said that he had asked the police to look into the allegations made by the officer before his death.

“He has put up a post, which amongst other things, says he faced racial discrimination in SPF. These and other allegations are serious,” Channel News Asia cited Mr. Shanmugam’s post.

“I have asked SPF to investigate the matter thoroughly. We will get to the bottom of it. And be accountable.” Mr. Shanmugam reiterated "a clear policy of non-discrimination" and that all officers are entitled to be treated fairly.

“SPF as an organisation is committed to that principle. We will investigate the facts,” he added.

The officer's allegations, which also mentioned a toxic work culture, first came to light in a Facebook post. The post has since been deleted, but several screenshots were reposted on Reddit.