Arrest Made in Singapore Over Fake Bomb Threat at Church

Post by : Raina Nasser

In Singapore, a 26-year-old man of Indian descent has been taken into custody for allegedly placing a fake bomb at a local church, inciting alarm and leading to the cancellation of all church services that day.

This unsettling incident occurred early Sunday at St Joseph’s Church, nestled in the residential neighborhood of Upper Bukit Timah. The accused has been named as Kokulananthan Mohan.

Authorities reported that the suspicious device was uncovered at approximately 7:11 a.m. Following this discovery, church officials promptly halted all activities to ensure congregants' safety.

The police’s charge documents indicated that Kokulananthan placed three cardboard tubes within the church, filled with small pebbles. The tubes featured protruding red wires and were wrapped securely with black and yellow tape, resembling a genuine explosive.

Investigators noted the fake bomb was crafted to instill fear, creating the illusion of a potential explosion. Police confirmed that the item was indeed non-functional and posed no actual threat.

According to the Singapore Police, initial findings suggest that the individual acted independently, with no links to religious or terrorist motives.

Following his arrest, Kokulananthan appeared in court on Monday, where the judge mandated a three-week observation period for mental health assessment. He is scheduled to return to court on January 12.

During the proceedings, the defendant claimed his erratic behavior stemmed from sleep deprivation due to his night shift job. The judge recommended he discuss this with the medical professionals during his evaluation.

If convicted, he may face severe repercussions, potentially including up to ten years imprisonment, hefty fines, or both, under Singaporean law.

The fake bomb incident has left worshippers shaken and raised significant safety alarms. Authorities have reiterated that fake threats can induce panic and will be treated as grave offenses.