(Image source from: Indian labor death sparks off massive unrest in Singapore})

For the first time in last 40 years, a riot hit Singapore's streets, as 24 Indian migrants went on a violent rampage to avenge the death of a 33-year-old Indian worker who was knocked down by a private bus while he was crossing the road in Singapore's Little India - a vibrant cultural district of shops and restaurants that served as a hub for hundreds of thousands of Indians working in Singapore - at about 9.30 on Sunday evening.

The accident incited an angry mob of 400 South Asians workers who took to the city streets, setting fire to police cars and ambulance, smashing bins and injuring several police in the riot on Monday. It is believed to be the worst outbreak of violence in Singapore in 40 years.

'Shortly after, a riot broke out involving a crowd of about 400 subjects where the subjects damaged five police vehicles and one ambulance,' a statement read.

Unrest of this nature is very rare in Singapore as it has tough laws on rioting that carry a sentence of up to seven years in prison and possible caning.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that 'whatever events may have sparked the rioting, there is no excuse for such violent, destructive, and criminal behavior'.

'This is a serious incident which has resulted in injuries and damage to public property,' said Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs. 'Police will spare no efforts to apprehend the subjects involved in the riot.'

The area is primarily inhabited by Indians, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans and Nepalis expatriates and is usually busy on Sundays as South Asian workers enjoy their day off.

The violence is likely to fuel concerns about discontent among low-paid foreign workers.

AW: Suchorita Dutta Choudhury