SINGAPORE - Six men were charged in court on Wednesday over the slashing of a man, while a seventh was accused of threatening him.

Joshua Navindran Surainthiran, 22, Joel Giritharan Surainthiran, 24, and Ramge Visvamnathan, 19, are alleged to have caused grievous hurt to Mr Liakath Ali, 52, by slashing his face with a knife, permanently disfiguring him.

The alleged attack took place in Arab Street at about 10pm on Aug 26.

Three others - businessman Zackeer Abbass Khan, 45, Anwer Ambiya Kadir Maideen, 46, and Koleth Navas, 29, an Indian national - are accused of abetment by conspiracy to cause grievous hurt to Mr Liakath between Aug 22 and 26.

The seventh man, Indian national Koleth Abdul Nasir, 41, is alleged to have threatened Mr Liakath outside Singapore Zam Zam Restaurant, North Bridge Road, by uttering "Last time we should do you but you escaped; but this time round, we will do you; you watch out," with intent to cause him alarm.

The prosecution applied successfully to remand all seven for a week. Permission was granted to take them out for investigation, and they are believed to be involved in other cases.

In a statement, police said extensive ground enquiries were conducted following a call on Aug 26 of a person injured near the junction of Arab Street and Rochor Canal Road that evening.

In an operation on Monday, the seven suspects were arrested.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident had arose from a business rivalry dispute.

The seven will be back in court next Wednesday .

The maximum penalty for causing grievous hurt is 15 years' jail, fine or caning.

Anyone convicted of criminal intimidation may be jailed for up to seven years or fined or to both.