Driver involved in Singapore accident to be charged

The driver involved in Sunday night's accident in Singapore that sparked riots will be charged Tuesday with causing death by negligence.

The 55-year-old bus driver, who allegedly ran over and killed an Indian national Dec 8 night was arrested Monday and later released on bail, Today Online reported Tuesday quoting police.

Twenty six people, including 25 Indian nationals and one Singaporean, were arrested in connection with the riot and will be charged Tuesday for rioting.

Police said that two Bangladeshi nationals, who were also arrested, were found not to be involved in the incident.

The riots, involving some 400 South Asian workers, broke out after an Indian worker was killed in the accident in the Little India ethnic neighbourhood known for its Tamil cultural elements and aspects of other Indian cultures.

The victim has been identified as 33-year-old Sakthivel Kumaravelu.

Mobs attacked officers who responded to the accident, but police said they did not fire a single shot while trying to bring the situation under control.

It was the biggest riot in Singapore in some 40 years. Around 22 police officers who sustained injuries have been discharged after treatment in hospital.

The protestors also damaged 16 police vehicles.

Authorities classified it as "rioting with dangerous weapons".

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong offered his deepest condolences to the family of Kumaravelu and urged people to remain calm and continue with their daily lives.

The prime minister had Monday said a probe committee would be set up to investigate the incident.