Notifying Datchinamurthy Kataiah’s Family on his Execution Schedule and Final Visitation Rights

Question:

Mr Fadli Fawzi: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) why was Datchinamurthy Kataiah’s execution delayed; (b) whether his family was notified of the final execution time and allowed a final visit or telephone call; (c) whether it is the procedure of the Singapore Prison Service to notify families of death row prisoners of the execution time and permit final visits or calls; and (d) if not, why not.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The capital sentence of death imposed on Datchinamurthy a/l Kataiah (“Datchinamurthy”) was scheduled to be carried out on 25 September 2025. Datchinamurthy’s family was notified of the execution date in advance, and was allowed to visit him daily and for an extended period at each visit.

2. In the late evening of 24 September 2025, the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) was informed that clemency petitions were submitted to the President on behalf of Datchinamurthy. SPS informed Datchinamurthy and his family accordingly.

3. On 25 September 2025, SPS was informed by the President’s Office that the petitions were duly considered and rejected by the President. SPS conveyed the outcome to Datchinamurthy and his family. The sentence was subsequently carried out in the afternoon of 25 September 2025, in accordance with the law and as directed by the Court.