From Tofu to Tumult: A Market Drama Unfolds
Last fall, a quiet corner of 21 Marsiling Lane Market Centre turned into a scene straight out of a slap‑stick sitcom—minus the laugh track.
Why the Smack‑down?
It’s a mystery that even a seasoned gossip columnist can’t crack. All we know is that a 35‑year‑old named Liu Weihao found himself face‑to‑face with Wu Baolian, 59, a diligent tofu seller. The two were on a collision course that would lead to one week of jail for the attacker.
The Incident (Chronology)
- November 4, 2023, around 2 pm: Tension rises while Wu is busy selling tofu and Liu is sipping a beer with friends outside the stalls.
- First Contact: Liu lunges, striking Wu’s back of the head—one solid hit.
- Next Move: He follows up with three blows to her hand, causing her to drop all the tofu boxes.
- The Hustle: He pushes Wu into the rubble of the market floor.
- Final Price: Before she can stand, Liu delivers a punch to Wu’s face and bolts out of the scene.
Legal Wrap‑Up
Fast forward to Monday, October 1: Liu pleads guilty to voluntarily causing hurt and is handed a one‑week sentence. His father, who owns three stalls right beside Wu’s, probably saw the whole thing as a “workplace conflict” and didn’t think it would end up in court.
Take‑away
Market places are supposed to be friendly trade zones. Unfortunately, in this instance, the aroma of tofu was outshined by the scent of blood. Let’s hope future tofu stalls can stay sweet—no one needs a drama for their face!
Shocking Assault Leaves a Woman in Tears and the Judge in Disgust
When Wu, a 49‑year‑old local citizen, was left sprawled on the sidewalk for 15 minutes, everyone watching felt her pain. The harassing victim tried to stand up, but the attacker – a man named Liu – kept pressing the ordeal.
The Scary Scene
- Wu lay on the floor for a full quarter of an hour.
- She stumbled to her feet just after the thief’s attack.
- She quickly grabbed her phone and texted her husband.
- Her husband, hearing the distress, called the police.
Aftermath at the Hospital
Wu was escorted to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, where she reported:
- Sharp pain in her chest and shoulders.
- Uncomfortable pressure at the back of her head.
- Significant difficulty moving her arms and legs.
Doctors decided she needed a four‑day medical leave to recover and stay safe.
The Judge’s Verdict
When the case went to court, the judge made it clear: Liu, who is younger than his victim, not only assaulted her but also continued to hit her even after she collapsed. The judge called his conduct “despicable” and “cowardly.” Liu faces a tough sentence, and the judge’s speech echoed the deep anger felt by the victim and her family.
In summarizing the distressing event, a local newspaper Wanbao highlighted:
- That disturbing assault was carried out on a woman who belongs to a more mature age bracket.
- The brutality of the attack escalated even while Wu was on the ground.
And so, after the legal process goes through, we hope that victims like Wu can finally get the closure and support they deserve.
