Asking for trouble? SG will not take such a threat lightly.
Indian national Aditya Bhatia's Facebook status, where he threatened to "plant bombs" at Marina Bay Sands. (Facebook Screen grab).
A boy has threatened to “plant bombs” at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) posted on his Facebook, the latest of a chain of offensive social media posts that surfaced this year.
The youth, who lists his name on Facebook as Aditya Bhatia, posted a vulgarity-laced status on his profile that promised “revenge” on Singapore, where he listed himself to be residing in.
“The day I’ll [sic] leave Singapore ! Gonna take a big big revenge [sic] !” he wrote, adding that he was going to “spit everywhere” and “plant bombs on Marina Bay Sands”.
According to Bhatia’s Facebook profile, which reportedly has since been taken down, he attended the Global Indian International School in Queenstown, and is from New Delhi.
Police confirmed that by Monday, reports had been filed with regard to the matter from several parties, including one from the integrated resort itself. A spokesperson said its investigations are now ongoing, with MBS agreeing to assist.
An MBS spokesperson added in response to the incident, “The safety of our guests and staff is of paramount importance, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure a safe and secure environment for all at Marina Bay Sands.”
When contacted, members of the Indian expatriate community in Singapore spoke up against Bhatia’s actions.
Investment banker Ravi Rao, 41, said he found the youth’s behaviour “disgraceful and a discredit to Indian nationals living here”.
“I really hope Singaporeans do not feel that his views are representative of our community,” he said.
“Even if he was venting his anger or said these things in the heat of the moment, I feel that he needs to bear the consequences of his actions — this is no laughing matter,” added 36-year-old Nirmala S, a homemaker. “If he really dislikes Singapore so much, perhaps he should do everyone a favour and return to India.”
Bhatia’s post adds to the list of social media posts that sparked furious online reaction, the most notable of which came from former NTUC assistant director Amy Cheong, who ended up losing her job and moving back to Australia, where she is a citizen.
Before her, Chinese undergraduate scholar Sun Xu had his scholarship revoked after referring to Singaporeans as “dogs” on his Sina Weibo account.
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