Multiple factors behind Indian's death in Singapore: Expert

The forensic scientist appointed by the Committee of Inquiry(COI) on last year's Dec 8 riots in this city state Wednesday said a "combination of factors" could have led Indian national Sakthivel Kumaravelu to fall into the path of the bus which ran over him.

The incident had sparked the riots.

Citing CCTV footage, forensic scientist Michael Tay said Sakthivel, 33, fell on the ground while he was trying to catch up with the bus, which was travelling at 10.8 kmph at 9.20 p.m. Dec 8 in the Little India area here.

Two seconds later, the bus's left front wheel ran over his right shoulder blade and head.

Tay also said that the roads were wet as it was raining at the time of the accident, the Straits Times reported.

The victim was intoxicated at the time, he said, adding that his blood alcohol level was 217 mg of ethanol per 100 ml of blood meaning it would be "harder to maintain balance".

Sakthivel was holding an umbrella with his left hand which prevented him from swinging his hand in a natural movement.

Soon after, the riots started at the junction of Race Course Road and Hampshire Road at Little India.

About 400 people attacked the bus and police and rescue vehicles for two hours before riot police brought the situation under control.

A total of 25 emergency vehicles were damaged, along with five that were set on fire while 39 police officers and four civil defence and auxiliary officers were injured.

Some 25 foreign nationals have so far been charged in court for rioting and at least 52 people deported.