Singapore – An Indian-origin man, Kokulananthan Mohan, 26, has been charged in Singapore for allegedly staging a bomb threat at St Joseph's Church using cardboard rolls. The incident, which prompted a police investigation, unfolded on Sunday and led to the cancellation of all church services.

According to charge sheets, Mohan is accused of placing three cardboard rolls filled with stone pebbles and fitted with protruding red wires. These were intended to resemble explosives, creating a false impression of a terrorist threat.

Preliminary investigations by the Singapore Police Force led to Mohan's arrest. It was later revealed that he was suffering from sleep deprivation at the time of the incident. He is currently remanded for psychiatric evaluation.

If convicted, Mohan could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

This incident follows a similar case earlier this year, where a 22-year-old man was charged with making a bomb hoax on board an Etihad Airways flight. Azim Shah Abubakar Shah allegedly posted a message on his Instagram account claiming he would blow up the plane. The flight, which was taxiing for take-off at Changi Airport, was recalled, and Azim was arrested. He was found to have no means to carry out the threat.

The Singapore Police Force treats all security threats seriously and will not hesitate to take action against anyone who causes public alarm with false threats. The safety and security of passengers and airport staff are their top priority. Making false threats, especially relating to airport and airline operations, involves significant public resources that have to be deployed to deal with the incident.