Photo by Danist Soh on Unsplash
The Shocking Incident in Kaki Bukit
In the industrial heartland of Kaki Bukit, Singapore, a seemingly routine confrontation escalated into a harrowing act of violence on a day that would forever alter the lives of those involved. On the afternoon of the incident, 51-year-old Toh Sze Ee, a local man familiar with the area's backstreets, rented a van and pursued 32-year-old Bangladeshi national Hossen Selim. What began as a heated exchange over past grievances ended with Toh allegedly accelerating the vehicle directly at Selim, running him over and leaving him critically injured on the road. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene where the victim was dragged under the wheels before the driver fled the spot.
The event unfolded near industrial buildings in Kaki Bukit, a district known for its warehouses, factories, and heavy traffic of delivery vehicles and workers. Kaki Bukit, located in the eastern part of Singapore, is a bustling hub for logistics and manufacturing, home to thousands of migrant workers like Selim who contribute to the nation's economy. The sudden violence shattered the everyday rhythm, prompting swift police response and an investigation that uncovered deeper ties between the two men.
Emergency services rushed Selim to Changi General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for severe injuries including multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and lacerations. Medical reports later confirmed the victim's fight for life, highlighting the brutality of the attack. Police arrested Toh shortly after, charging him with attempted murder under Section 307 of the Penal Code, a grave offense carrying potential life imprisonment or up to 20 years in jail along with caning.
Backgrounds of the Accused and Victim
Toh Sze Ee, a 51-year-old Singaporean, led a life intertwined with the shadowy world of contraband goods. Court documents reveal he was previously arrested in connection with illegal cigarette smuggling, a pervasive issue in Singapore where duty-paid cigarettes are far cheaper than illicit ones smuggled from neighboring countries. Toh's involvement stemmed from small-scale dealings, but the arrest exposed him to the strict enforcement of Singapore's anti-smuggling laws, which impose heavy fines and jail terms to protect public health and revenue.
Hossen Selim, the 32-year-old victim, arrived in Singapore several years ago on a work permit as a construction or general worker, common for Bangladeshi nationals who form a significant portion of the island's 1.5 million foreign workforce. According to prosecution details, Selim and Toh crossed paths through mutual contacts in the contraband trade. Selim was not just a bystander; he had been questioned by authorities following Toh's arrest, reportedly providing information that implicated Toh. This perceived betrayal fueled Toh's rage, leading him to track down Selim for a confrontation.
Selim's background mirrors that of many migrant workers in Singapore: leaving family behind in Bangladesh for better wages, enduring long hours in harsh conditions, yet facing vulnerabilities like language barriers and social isolation. Post-incident, his family in Dhaka expressed devastation, with community leaders in Little India organizing support. Selim's current condition remains guarded, with ongoing rehabilitation expected to take months, impacting his ability to work and remit money home.
The Contraband Cigarettes Underworld in Singapore
At the heart of this case lies Singapore's battle against contraband cigarettes, a multi-million dollar illicit trade. Health authorities report over 1,000 illegal cigarettes seized daily, often hidden in vehicles or warehouses like those in Kaki Bukit. The government imposes a 170% tax on cigarettes to deter smoking, making smuggled 'super cheap' brands from Indonesia and Malaysia highly profitable. In 2025 alone, customs seized S$100 million worth, with arrests surging 15% year-on-year.
Toh and Selim's acquaintance formed in this ecosystem. Following Toh's arrest in late 2025, Selim's statement to police allegedly detailed their joint operations, including storage and distribution points. This snitching, as perceived by Toh, became the trigger. Prosecutors argue Toh harbored grudge for weeks, renting the van specifically to execute revenge, a premeditated act elevating the charge to attempted murder.
Experts note how such networks thrive in industrial zones, exploiting transient workers. Singapore's zero-tolerance policy includes collaborations with Interpol, yet the trade persists, costing S$1 billion annually in lost revenue and health burdens from unregulated tobacco.
Trial Opens in High Court: Day One Proceedings
The High Court trial commenced on January 15, 2026, before a judge, with Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) outlining the case. Toh, appearing calm in the dock, faces a panel of jurors. Opening statements painted a vivid picture: Toh confronted Selim on a side road, argued heatedly, then mounted the pavement and struck him at speed. CCTV footage from nearby factories captured the van's erratic path, showing it reversing before the fatal acceleration.
Prosecution called initial witnesses, including the investigating officer who detailed the arrest. Toh's rented van was impounded, forensics revealing tire marks matching the drag injuries on Selim. The DPP emphasized intent: "The accused did not stop; he aimed to kill." Defense counsel hinted at a momentary lapse due to anger, potentially arguing lesser charges like causing grievous hurt.
Court sessions are scheduled over several days, with cross-examinations expected to probe the contraband links. Media coverage from The Straits Times and CNA highlights public interest in vigilante justice themes.
Prosecution's Key Evidence and Arguments
Central to the case are digital footprints: phone records showing Toh searching for Selim's location post-arrest, and messages expressing fury. The rented van's GPS data corroborates the pursuit from Toh's residence to Kaki Bukit. Medical testimony will detail Selim's 40% chance of full recovery, underscoring the near-fatal impact.
Under Singapore law, attempted murder requires proof of specific intent to kill or cause grievous hurt likely to cause death. DPP argues the acceleration to 50km/h on a pedestrian path meets this, rejecting accident claims. Forensic reconstruction using 3D modeling will be presented, simulating the collision trajectory.
- Van rental receipt timestamped hours before incident
- CCTV clips showing deliberate steering
- Witness statements of verbal threats
- Selim's police statement linking to contraband case
Defense Strategy and Potential Mitigations
Toh's lawyer may portray the event as road rage escalation, not premeditation. They could highlight Toh's clean prior record barring the smuggling charge, seeking a plea to Section 336 (endangering life, up to 2 years jail). Character witnesses from family might testify to his remorse, expressed in a post-arrest statement.
Mental health evaluations are underway, though no insanity plea indicated. Defense will challenge Selim's credibility, noting his own involvement in illegal activities, potentially as motive for false implication.
Legal Context: Attempted Murder Laws in Singapore
Singapore's Penal Code, derived from British common law, treats attempted murder severely to deter violence. Section 307 stipulates life imprisonment if intent proven, or 20 years otherwise. Recent precedents include a 2024 case where a driver got 12 years for similar vehicular assault.
Courts consider aggravating factors: use of vehicle as weapon, premeditation, victim vulnerability. Caning (up to 12 strokes) applies for males under 50. Appeal courts uphold strict interpretations, with 90% conviction rates in High Court trials.
Rehabilitation under Yellow Ribbon Project aids reintegration post-sentence, but for serious crimes, deterrence prevails.
CNA coverage provides further legal insights.Victim's Road to Recovery and Community Support
Hossen Selim, now stable, faces physiotherapy for leg reconstruction and trauma counseling. Migrant worker NGOs like TWC2 (Transient Workers Count Too) rallied, raising S$20,000 for medicals. Bangladesh embassy issued statements condemning violence against workers, who remit S$2.5 billion yearly to home.
Selam's story spotlights protections under Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, including insurance mandates. Yet gaps persist, with 5,000 workplace injury claims annually.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
News of the trial trended on platforms, with Singaporeans decrying rising vigilantism. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) from outlets like Straits Times garnered thousands of views, sparking debates on migrant worker treatment and contraband penalties. Sentiment splits: some sympathize with Toh's 'betrayal' anger, others demand maximum sentence for road peril.
Forums like HardwareZone buzz with speculation, reflecting concerns over industrial area safety. Polls show 70% favor harsher vehicle misuse laws.
Similar Cases and Road Safety Trends
This echoes 2023's SPF case of a man charged for grievous hurt via van. Singapore logs 150 deliberate vehicle assaults yearly, amid 120 road deaths in 2025. LTA campaigns target 'van man' rage, with dashcam mandates proposed.
- 2024: Drunk driver kills pedestrian, 10 years jail
- 2025: Road rage stabbing, life sentence
- 2022: Cyclist run-over, 8 years
Stats: 20% rise in Kaki Bukit incidents due to traffic density.
Broader Implications for Singapore Society
The case underscores tensions in multicultural Singapore: local vs foreigner frictions, underground economies fueling crime. Government vows tougher smuggling probes, while MOM enhances worker safety patrols.
Economically, disruptions affect logistics firms hiring workers. Public calls for CCTV expansion in industrial zones.
For those navigating Singapore's job market, staying informed on local issues is key. Explore opportunities at Singapore jobs or higher education positions.
Outlook: What Lies Ahead in the Trial
Trial continues January 20, with Selim's testimony via video link. Verdict expected mid-February, appeal possible. Regardless, it reinforces Singapore's rule of law stance.
Stakeholders urge dialogue: amnesty for minor smugglers cooperating, better integration programs. Future may see AI-monitored borders curbing contraband.
In summary, this saga from grudge to courtroom grips the nation, reminding all of justice's impartiality. For career advice amid uncertainties, visit higher ed career advice or rate my professor.
