SINGAPORE — A former staff nurse at Raffles Hospital has been sentenced to 14 months in jail and two strokes of the cane after admitting to molesting a male visitor under the false claim of needing to perform a “disinfection.”

The nurse, identified as 34-year-old Elipe Siva Nagu, pleaded guilty to one charge of molestation, also known as Outrage of Modesty under Singapore law. The court handed down the severe sentence on Friday, October 24, 2025.

The Calculated Breach of Trust

Court documents reveal the calculated nature of the June 18 incident:

• The Victim: The male visitor was at the hospital on North Bridge Road to see his grandfather, who was a patient.
• The Location: The offence took place inside a patient’s toilet at around 7:30 pm.
• The Pretext: Elipe looked inside the cubicle while the victim was using it. He then approached the victim with soap on his hand, falsely claiming he needed to “disinfect” him, and proceeded to molested him.

Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Eugene Phua highlighted that the victim, who was shocked by the sudden breach of conduct, did not react immediately. The traumatic incident has since caused the victim significant emotional distress, including recurring flashbacks.

Swift Action from Hospital and Law Enforcement

Elipe was arrested on June 23, two days after the case was reported to the authorities.

A Raffles Hospital spokesperson confirmed that Elipe Siva Nagu was suspended from his nursing duties immediately following the offence. The hospital stated that it takes all such allegations with “utmost seriousness” and is committed to ensuring the safety of all patients and visitors.

The harsh sentencing, which includes caning, underscores Singapore’s strict stance on crimes involving the abuse of authority and molestation, particularly within environments where public trust and personal safety are paramount, such as healthcare facilities.