The Singapore High Court has found Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) – Genting Group’s Singapore casino operation – guilty of false imprisonment, assault and battery following an incident in which a patron was detained for 46 minutes in April 2012.
In his ruling, Justice Choo Han Teck said RWS had erred in detaining Mr Adesh Goel after a dispute broke out between he and a fellow patron who had accidentally taken one of his $50 chips.
Justice Choo said, “the acts of holding him (Goel) back, grabbing his arms and the scuffles that resulted in him being hit against the wall are not conduct that are ordinarily acceptable in daily life” and that there was no basis for RWS’ false imprisonment as there was no suggestion that Mr Goel had or was going to commit any offense.
Mr Goel was awarded US$45,915 in damages of which RWS is liable for 80 percent.
Asked for comment, Mr Goel said, “I am very relieved that the Singapore Court has confirmed what RWS did to me was unlawful. To be confined, humiliated, assaulted and have your bones fractured and the criminals not be held to account for more than three years by anyone was highly distressing.
“RWS should be ashamed, not just of their actions on the night but the secondary victimization they have made me endure. When CCTV confirms what happened, RWS denying the facts and trying to crush me through reputational smear and expensive litigation is offensive.
“My challenge to Tan Sri Lim is to consider, ‘What is all the money in the world worth to a billionaire when he heads a group of individuals who are prepared to abuse the very patrons from whom their living is derived?’ I experienced arrogance, cowardice and a lack of any morality in how I have been treated by RWS. His condoning such a toxic culture shows how he has lost touch with the industry.
“The rule of law should operate to the advantage of everyone and not just the privileged. RWS’s arrogance in believing they are above the law and can get away with a ‘teflon culture’ of blaming everyone but themselves should be a lesson to all corporates. I trust the regulator will now look into the matter and take appropriate action.”
In a written statement, a spokesperson for RWS told WGM, “Resorts World Sentosa respects and is pleased with the judgment delivered by the High Court with regard to the case of Mr Goel Adesh Kumar and we look forward to the next round of proceedings for the High Court.
“Resorts World Sentosa has been delivering exemplary customer experience to all our visitors and we stay committed in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests.”
