SPF Officer Dies After Alleging Workplace Bullying and Toxic Culture

A Singapore Police Force officer has tragically passed away after being found motionless at the foot of an apartment block in Yishun. Prior to this incident, he had posted on Facebook expressing his grievances regarding his workplace environment.

In a statement released on July 21, the Singapore Police Force confirmed that they discovered the 36-year-old officer lying unresponsive at Blk 393 Yishun Avenue 6, after which he was taken to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The police expressed their deep sadness over the loss and extended their condolences to the officer’s family.

The officer, identified as Uvaraja S/O Gopal, shared a detailed post on Facebook that same day, outlining his experiences of alleged bullying and a “toxic work culture” within the force. Uvaraja, who had served for 18 years and held the rank of Sergeant, claimed he faced racial insults and felt ostracized by his colleagues.

Uvaraja aspired to join the police force from a young age and began his career with the Ministry of Finance as an investment analyst. However, he stated that his time in a particular neighbourhood police centre (NPC) led to a decline in his well-being. He alleged that team members frequently called him derogatory names and undermined his contributions, despite his dedication to the job, including working long hours.

He claimed that his whistleblowing on colleagues for misconduct was met with resistance, and his efforts to seek assistance were largely ignored.

Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam commented on the incident, indicating that the cause of death is under investigation and that the police will thoroughly examine the claims made in Uvaraja’s post.

In light of this tragic event, mental health resources have been made available for those in distress, including helplines for immediate support.