Singapore, known for its strict laws and zero-tolerance policy towards crime, recently witnessed a case involving an Indian national working as an airport auxiliary police officer at Changi Airport.
The officer, Sundar Aravinth, was charged for keeping passengers lost AirPods instead of returning them to their rightful owner. This incident highlights the importance of integrity and accountability, particularly for those in positions of trust.
The Incident at Changi Airport
The case unfolded on February 4, when a passenger lost his AirPods on a flight arriving at Changi Airport Terminal 2. The wireless earbuds were later found by a cabin crew member, who followed the standard procedure and handed them over to Sundar Aravinth.
As an airport auxiliary police officer, it was his duty to ensure that lost items were directed to the airport’s lost and found office. However, instead of carrying out his responsibility, he chose to keep the AirPods for his personal use.
On February 28, the police were alerted to a suspected case of theft at Terminal 2. Investigations revealed that the victim had reported his lost AirPods, which led to an internal inquiry.
When contacted, Sundar Aravinth provided a photograph of his personal, unbranded earbuds to the lost and found office, instead of handing over the genuine AirPods. This attempt to mislead the authorities ultimately led to his downfall, as the victim was quick to identify that the returned item was not his.
Read : Indian-Origin Man Jailed in Singapore for Harassing Ex-President Halimah Yacob
After further examination and an internal investigation, it was confirmed that Sundar Aravinth had misappropriated the AirPods. He was subsequently arrested, and the missing AirPods were recovered.
Read : From Check-In to Take-off : Ranking the World’s Premier Airports
This case serves as a reminder that even minor infractions can lead to serious consequences, particularly in a country where law enforcement is highly efficient and strict.
Court Proceedings and Legal Consequences
On March 1, Sundar Aravinth was officially charged in court for criminal breach of trust. During his hearing, he was unrepresented and expressed his intention to plead guilty.
He admitted to his actions, stating that he had committed the offense without considering the consequences. When asked whether he intended to engage legal counsel, he declined, further requesting the court to send him back to his home country, as his visa was set to expire on March 31.
The judge informed him that a special pass would be issued to him, allowing him to remain in Singapore until the legal proceedings were concluded. His next hearing is scheduled for April 17. If found guilty, he could face a maximum penalty of seven years in jail, a fine, or both, as per Singapore’s stringent laws on criminal breach of trust.
This case underscores the serious repercussions of even seemingly minor acts of dishonesty. Singapore’s legal system treats all cases of misappropriation with utmost severity, regardless of the value of the stolen item.
Even though the AirPods were eventually recovered, the fact that a person in a position of trust abused his authority makes the offense more significant in the eyes of the law.
Lessons and Implications
There are several key lessons to be drawn from this case, particularly for individuals working in security-sensitive roles. First and foremost, integrity is a fundamental trait required for anyone in law enforcement or security services.
Sundar Aravinth’s decision to keep a lost item instead of returning it not only violated ethical standards but also damaged public trust in the airport’s security system.
Additionally, the case serves as a cautionary tale for expatriates and foreign workers in Singapore. The country’s legal framework is designed to uphold transparency, and any deviation from the law—no matter how minor—can result in severe penalties. Many foreign workers enter Singapore in search of better opportunities, but a single mistake can jeopardize their entire future.
For passengers, this incident reinforces the importance of promptly reporting lost items. The swift action taken by the victim and the thorough investigation by authorities ensured that the misappropriated AirPods were recovered and the culprit was brought to justice. It also highlights the efficiency of Singapore’s law enforcement agencies in handling cases of misconduct swiftly and decisively.
Ultimately, the case of Sundar Aravinth is a stark reminder that ethical conduct is non-negotiable, especially in a country that places a strong emphasis on law and order. Those entrusted with public responsibilities must uphold the highest standards of integrity, as even a single lapse in judgment can lead to severe consequences.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏