A woman was fined S$2,500 on 29 October 2026 for molesting a female nightclub server. The court also declined the victim’s request for additional compensation.
Sonik Archana Susheel, a 32-year-old Indian national, pleaded guilty to one molestation charge. She had voluntarily paid the victim S$1,500.
The victim’s identity is protected by a gag order. The nightclub is not named to avoid identifying her.
Touched Server After Near Collision
Sonik went to the nightclub at about 11pm on 13 March to meet a friend. She had been drinking at home and continued drinking there.
After midnight on 14 March, the victim and two colleagues passed through the area where Sonik was dancing alone.
The victim nearly collided with her. Sonik then touched the server’s buttocks, pushed her abdomen and showed her the middle finger.
The distressed server sought help from security staff. Her superiors subsequently reported the incident to police, and Sonik was arrested that day.
Victim Sought More Compensation Over Lost Income
CNA reported that the victim confirmed receiving S$1,500 but asked for further compensation. She said she lost her job because of the case, suggesting it was due to the trouble it caused.
She estimated her lost income at about S$18,000 over six months. When asked how much compensation she wanted, she said she was unsure and sought the court’s guidance.
Defence lawyer Ariffin Sha said the earlier payment covered emotional harm. He argued that the link between the offence and the job loss was unclear.
Principal District Judge Lee Lit Cheng found insufficient evidence to determine an appropriate compensation amount, if any. She said the claim was better addressed in another forum and, noting the voluntary payment, declined to issue a compensation order.
