A man was detained at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station on Friday evening after commuters accused him of taking upskirt photos of a woman during her journey from Somerset MRT to Dhoby Ghaut.

The incident unfolded at around 10 p.m. When a woman and a man in an orange T-shirt spotted the suspect and began chasing him. The man in orange eventually tackled the suspect, who was assisted in his capture by a third individual wearing a black polo shirt. During the confrontation, the suspect’s shirt was ripped, and his milk tea spilled, along with some bottles that broke on the platform.

According to the woman, the suspect had been taking inappropriate photos of her since she boarded the train at Somerset MRT. She and the man in orange pursued him to Dhoby Ghaut, where SBS Transit staff intervened. The suspect denied the allegations, repeatedly stating, “I never take upskirt photo,” and insisted that his phone be checked.

SBS Transit staff responded to the situation and subsequently contacted the police, as the incident involved an alleged offense. The suspect was taken to the station office for further investigation, where his phone was examined.

This case follows a recent incident in which a man was jailed for 28 days for taking upskirt photos at Tampines MRT, underscoring the ongoing challenges of maintaining public safety and privacy in transit spaces.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the persistent issue of non-consensual photography in public spaces, particularly on public transport, where victims may feel vulnerable. The swift action by commuters and SBS staff demonstrates the importance of collective vigilance in addressing such offenses. However, it also raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures in deterring such behavior, as similar cases continue to emerge.

The suspect’s denial and the subsequent police involvement suggest that the matter will now be handled through legal channels. If found guilty, he could face penalties under Singapore’s laws against voyeurism, and harassment.

What may happen next

Police are likely to review the evidence collected from the suspect’s phone and other available information to determine whether charges will be filed. If charges are pursued, the case could proceed through the courts, where the suspect may either plead guilty or contest the allegations. The outcome will depend on the strength of the evidence and the legal process.

In the meantime, transit authorities may consider reinforcing security measures or public awareness campaigns to further address this issue. The incident could also prompt discussions on how best to balance privacy concerns with the need for public safety in crowded transit environments.