Police with baton outnumbered as fight breaks out at Kampong Gelam

A video of yet another brawl breaking out in Singapore is circulating online, sparking concern among netizens, as a police officer on the scene was outnumbered. Complaint Singapore member Jalaluddin Akbar forwarded a short clip of the incident on Thursday (April 14), showing multiple men engaged in a fight outside a building along Aliwal Street. The video showed several men approaching one man curled up on the floor, while others already encircled the victim. [caption id="attachment_418402" align="aligncenter" width="1329"] Photo: FB screengrab/Complaint Singapore[/caption] They took turns hitting and kicking the man on the ground. A police officer eventually arrives at the scene and tries to intervene. [caption id="attachment_418403" align="aligncenter" width="1334"] Photo: FB screengrab/Complaint Singapore[/caption] The officer’s initial attempt of breaking up the fight calmly proved futile, and he was spotted shoving one of the men against a parked car. [caption id="attachment_418404" align="aligncenter" width="1334"] Photo: FB screengrab/Complaint Singapore[/caption] This distracts the group temporarily, giving the victim some time to get up. However, he then begins advancing toward the group. The police officer pulls out his baton and raises his weapon as he charges toward the brawl just as the video ends. [caption id="attachment_418406" align="aligncenter" width="1334"] Photo: FB screengrab/Complaint Singapore[/caption] “Only one officer vs many people. How come? Where (are) the other officers?” asked Facebook user BooYoungDo. Netizens commented on the video, showing concern for the lone officer and looking for his colleagues. Others noted that a more extreme method should be used for such instances. “I personally feel the police should pepper spray the whole area to make everyone break up the fight. How can he alone control the fight,” wrote Facebook user Chris Walker. Netizens also highlighted that following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, public fights are on the increase. “Expected. Open up, more people drinking… more fighting. More cases. More problem,” a netizen wrote. “Street fights are on the rise. The police should do more to maintain law and order,” said Facebook user Yuan Kiong while another noted that a “sense of lawlessness is creeping in.” The Independent Singapore has reached out to the Singapore Police Force for a statement. /TISG https://theindependent.sg/fight-breaks-out-beside-katong-square-one-man-with-tattoos-retrieving-weapon-to-attack/ Read also: Kampong Gelam Ramadan Bazaar returns; 33 days celebration of lights and community - Singapore News