A man who claimed to have shared drugs with renowned human rights lawyer M Ravi, just hours before his sudden death at 56, has been arrested in Singapore. The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) confirmed the arrest, with the CNA news channel reporting that police revealed this in response to media inquiries about the lawyer's unexpected passing. Ravi, known for his advocacy and defense of death row inmates, including Malaysians caught with drugs in Singapore, had been recognized internationally for his contributions to human rights. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was called to an apartment around 5:40 am, where they found Ravi unconscious. Paramedics rushed him to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he was declared dead. A second individual, identified as 'A' by the police, was present at the apartment and had called the SCDF. 'A' admitted to the police that both he and Ravi had taken drugs earlier, and Ravi exhibited concerning symptoms after consumption. 'A' performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Ravi. The police added that 'A' also admitted ownership of the drugs. While the police initially did not suspect foul play, they are awaiting post-mortem results. Ravi's international recognition for his human rights work, including the 2023 International Bar Association award for 'outstanding contribution by a legal practitioner to human rights,' and his diagnosis of bipolar disorder in 2006, followed by a strike-off in 2024 for improper conduct, add layers of complexity to this case. The arrest of 'A' for drug misuse raises questions about the circumstances surrounding Ravi's death and the potential impact on his legacy.
