SINGAPORE – A man who allegedly had drugs in his car refused to stop for a routine police check and drove towards an officer instead.

Murali Vigneshwaran, 36, was then accused of speeding off and driving against the flow of traffic, before colliding with a taxi, causing its front bumper to fall off.

On Feb 10, Murali was hauled to court and handed three charges. The charges include using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty and dangerous driving. He is also accused of driving while under disqualification.

The police said that on Feb 8 at around 1.50am, police officers were on patrol along Coleman Street when they saw Murali in a car.

When officers signalled for him to stop for a routine check, Murali allegedly refused to comply with the instructions.

According to charge sheets, Murali is accused of intentionally using force on a police officer by driving a white Mitsubishi car towards the officer to prevent him from discharging his duty.

He allegedly drove off dangerously by travelling against the flow of traffic, and is accused of colliding with a taxi which had the right of way, before speeding off.

No injuries were reported, said the police.

The police added that the car was later found abandoned along Central Boulevard, where items believed to be controlled drugs were discovered.

Officers from the Central Police Division and the Traffic Police established Murali’s identity and arrested him on the same day.

In court on Feb 10, the police prosecutor said Murali is believed to be involved in drug-related cases and made an application for him to be remanded for one week for scene visits and to trace possible accomplices.

The judge granted the application, and Murali will return to court on Feb 16.

Those who use criminal force to deter a public servant from the discharge of his duty ...