In November 2010, Dinesh Raman s/o Chinniah died while in the custody of the Singapore Prison Service. The circumstances of his death have never been established. One prison office pleaded guilty to causing his death by negligence not amounting to culpable homicide. He was fined S$10,000.

Because the officer pleaded guilty, the cause of death was not determined at law. The Ministry of Home Affairs held an internal inquiry but refused to publish its findings.

Arbitrary state action has an impact on all citizens who should be able to expect openness and transparency in all state dealings.

The government's parsimonious explanation of the death leaves more questions than answers. Only a Coroner's Inquiry can conduct a full investigation into the circumstances of the death. This will allow Dinesh's family to finally obtain closure and grieve adequately for his death. It will also restore the faith of Singaporeans in the high standards of state agencies which we expect.