Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Singapore Declares Indian Business Director Bankrupt Over Wages Owed
Ramu Palani Velu is a business director in Singapore.
A court declared him bankrupt on August 13.
He directed seven companies that provided services such as air-conditioning, plumbing, and building work.
A total of 407 workers said they were owed wages.
Some workers said they had not been paid for more than two months.
More than 100 workers went to the Ministry of Manpower for help.
The ministry had already been investigating complaints from some workers.
Ramu had been outside Singapore but returned on June 26.
He later applied for bankruptcy and has cooperated with the investigation.
Ramu Palani Velu was declared bankrupt in Singapore on August 13.
He is a Singapore permanent resident and director of seven local companies.
A total of 407 workers, including Indian nationals, filed claims for unpaid wages.
More than 100 workers sought help at Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower office on June 22.
Ramu returned to Singapore on June 26, filed for bankruptcy on July 9, and has assisted with the investigation.
- Who
- Ramu Palani Velu, a Singapore permanent resident and director of seven companies, and 407 workers seeking unpaid wages.
- What
- Ramu Palani Velu was declared bankrupt after workers filed claims for unpaid wages linked to companies he directed.
- When
- The bankruptcy order was made on August 13; Ramu filed for bankruptcy on July 9, and workers sought help on June 22.
- Where
- Singapore, including the Ministry of Manpower office in Bendemeer.
- Why
- The bankruptcy proceedings followed claims that workers had not received wages owed to them.
- Bankruptcy order
- Made against Ramu Palani Velu on August 13.
- Bankruptcy application
- Filed by Ramu Palani Velu on July 9.
- Workers with claims
- 407 workers lodged claims for unpaid wages.
- Companies
- He directed seven companies providing air-conditioning, plumbing, and building services.
- Workers seeking help
- More than 100 workers went to the Ministry of Manpower office in Bendemeer on June 22.
- Return to Singapore
- Ramu returned on June 26 after being out of the country.
- Possible penalties
- Employers who fail to pay salaries may face fines of USD 3,000 to USD 15,000 per offence and up to six months’ imprisonment.
