Husband's second marriage uncovered when his secret wife gives birth at the hospital where his first wife works

Spouse uncovers husband's second marriage after birth at his workplace's hospital, revealing his bigamy; husband's name is Vaithialingam Muthukumar.

, and Administrator

2025 September 5 . 11:40 AM

1 min read

Man discovers wife's concealed wedding when second spouse gives birth at hospital where initial... — Man discovers wife's concealed wedding when second spouse gives birth at hospital where initial wife is employed

Husband's second marriage uncovered when his secret wife gives birth at the hospital where his first wife works

In a recent court ruling, a Singaporean court sentenced Vaithialingam Muthukumar to three months and three weeks in prison for committing bigamy in 1988. This crime, which is illegal for non-Muslims in Singapore and governed under the Women's Charter, was only discovered in February 2020.

Muthukumar's bigamy was exposed when he was confronted by his first wife at a hospital. The woman, who is a Singaporean, found out about her husband's secret marriage after Salmah Bee Abdul Razak, his second wife, gave birth at the hospital where she worked.

Salmah later reported this information to the Ministry of Manpower, leading to a police investigation. It was revealed that Muthukumar had falsely declared he had no other marriages, despite his application being rejected.

In a separate case, John Ingram, a 69-year-old British man, also pleaded guilty to bigamy. Ingram had married his 16-year-old stepdaughter while still married to her mother. This act was discovered, and he was facing a seven-year sentence. However, he was instead given a two-year community order and a fine of £450.

Bigamy is a criminal offence in almost all countries. If a non-Muslim conceals their existing marriage, penalties may extend to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $15,000 in Singapore.

Investigations revealed that Muthukumar lied in his immigration documents when applying for permanent residency as the spouse of a Singapore citizen. Many of the children involved in both cases were unaware of their father's identity.

This case serves as a reminder of the seriousness of bigamy and the importance of honesty in legal matters. It also highlights the potential consequences of such actions, both in terms of personal relationships and legal repercussions.