Indian-origin Singaporean woman jailed for slapping taxi driver over fare

Shalini Devarajan, a Singaporean woman of Indian origin, has been sentenced to jail for slapping a taxi driver over a fare dispute. The incident occurred when Devarajan refused to pay the taxi fare of SGD 24, citing a lack of cash and dismissing alternative payment methods proposed by the driver. Following the altercation, which escalated into a physical confrontation, the driver reported the incident to the authorities. The court found Devarajan guilty of assault, leading to her imprisonment. This case highlights ongoing issues related to payment methods in ride-hailing and taxi services, especially as cashless transactions become increasingly common. The ruling serves as a reminder of the legal consequences that can arise from disputes over payment and personal conduct in public transportation settings.