Recalcitrant Offender Sentenced to Nearly 7 Years in Prison and Caning Following Fatal Assault on Elderly Man in Geylang

Zubir Mohamed was sentenced to jail and caning for the fatal assault of an elderly man in Geylang. Read about the case and the judicial verdict.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 8:34 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Straits Times

Violent Alleyway Confrontation Ends in Tragedy

A 41-year-old man, Zubir Mohamed, was sentenced on April 24 to six years and 10 months in prison and 12 strokes of the cane for his role in a fatal altercation at the rear of 669 Geylang Road. The incident, which took place on August 3, 2024, began when Zubir approached 67-year-old Sivarajoo Pitchay Pillai for money to purchase illicit medication. After Mr. Sivarajoo generously provided $20, a dispute erupted over missing tablets in the older man's possession. Despite the victim’s vulnerability—he was using a walking stick for support—Zubir launched a violent physical assault, punching the elderly man and repeatedly pushing him to the ground.

Fatal Injuries and Deceptive Police Reports

The assault left Mr. Sivarajoo with catastrophic injuries, including a skull fracture and a massive brain hemorrhage. Witnesses observed the elderly man bleeding from his nose, mouth, and ears before he was rushed to Changi General Hospital. Doctors informed his family that he would likely remain in a vegetative state; he eventually passed away on August 19, 2024, after being removed from life support. Following the attack, Zubir and his wife attempted to evade justice by filing a false police report, claiming Mr. Sivarajoo had been the aggressor after they refused an offer to buy ketamine. Zubir only admitted to the assault after being confronted with clear CCTV evidence of his actions.

A Pattern of Recalcitrance and Serial Offending

The court heard that Zubir was a "recalcitrant, serial offender" who had been released from prison only months prior to the fatal encounter. In addition to the charge of voluntarily causing grievous hurt, Zubir pleaded guilty to three other charges involving theft and abuse. His criminal spree included stealing an electronic bicycle in Geylang, breaking into a car in Bedok North to steal cash and wallets, and punching a student nurse at Singapore General Hospital in May 2024. These offenses, committed in rapid succession, demonstrated a total disregard for the law and public safety.