‘Unnatural death': Singapore woman found dead day after accusing Indian worker of faking injury for compensation; probe under way
A Singaporean woman died last week, just a day after she publicly accused an Indian employee of faking a workplace injury to claim compensation.
Jane Lee, the owner of local food outlet Sumo Salad (now rebranded as Sumo Well), had posted two detailed accounts on Facebook describing what she believed was a fraudulent scheme.
In her Facebook posts, Lee alleged that the employee had staged an incident just two days before her employment contract ended. "Just two days before her contract ended, she staged an incident – claiming to have slipped and fallen while taking the escalator to dispose of rubbish," Lee wrote.
According to Lee, the employee had been scheduled to leave work early that day but intentionally stayed back.
"On that day, she was supposed to leave work early, but she deliberately stayed back.
It became clear to me that the accident was premeditated, likely as an attempt to file a false work injury claim."
Lee further claimed the incident was "a carefully orchestrated scheme" involving the employee's husband and said she had video evidence that contradicted the injury claim. "However, her behaviour changes dramatically in the presence of others, especially doctors, where she exaggerates her condition and limps to feign serious injury."
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She added: "I feel extremely unfortunate to have encountered this situation. I am deeply saddened – for myself, my husband and our dedicated staff – that because of an unfortunate gap in our insurance coverage, we are now being targeted by what I believe to be a fraudulent scheme."
In a follow-up post, Lee urged authorities to look into the case, saying, "I fear that I will not be the last victim, and these individuals may continue to exploit other unsuspecting small businesses in similar ways."
Before concluding her post, she apologised to her employees and revealed she had transferred funds to them. "To my beloved family and children, I'm truly sorry that I couldn't find the strength to face this battle on my own."
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed that investigations are ongoing into what has been classified as an 'unnatural death.' Separately, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said on Monday that it is looking into a possible fraudulent work injury claim involving the eatery, reported Singapore-based media outlet Channel News Asia (CNA).
MOM confirmed that it had been in communication with Lee prior to her death and that the worker in question is covered under the Work Injury Compensation (WIC) Act. It is currently working with the employee's insurer to assess the validity of the claim. 'MOM will not hesitate to take parties found culpable for abusing the WIC system to task,' the ministry said, adding that employers facing similar concerns should reach out for support, as reported by CNA.
The workplace in question, i.e. Sumo Salad, operates outlets in Holland Village and Marina One. CNA reported that the Holland Village location was open for business as usual on Monday.
Lee's wake was held at St Joseph's Church in Bukit Timah. Attendees remembered her as warm, hardworking, and generous. "She always came across as a very friendly, joyful person. Very kind-hearted. Always very eager to help," said a friend who knew her from church.
Former colleagues described her as 'a sunshine girl' and someone who remained concerned for others even amid personal distress. One ex-colleague, who spoke to her by phone after seeing her Facebook posts, said: "(It's) a bit shocking that this had happened because when I spoke to her on Friday, I really thought that she was okay."
Others, including members of Singapore's F&B and small business communities, turned up at the wake to pay respects. Many highlighted the mental and emotional toll that business owners quietly endure.
"She's basically carrying everybody's load and has a heart for everybody else first," one mourner said.
MOM expressed its condolences to Lee's family and reiterated that investigations were still underway.
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