SINGAPORE - The police are investigating a complaint against its officers for allegedly abusing a man during an arrest at a nightclub on April 3.

In response to queries, police said its officers were conducting a spot check at the club at Bras Basah Road at about 1.15 am.

About 15 minutes later, a 40-year-old Singaporean man was arrested for disorderly behaviour, police said on Monday.

Police confirmed that a report was lodged alleging abuse by its officers during the arrest. Investigations into the veracity of the allegations are on-going, police said.

Businessman Lim Chin Huat, who lodged the report, told The Straits Times that he and seven friends had arrived at Yang Gui Fei nightclub in Hotel Rendezvous and started drinking at about 11pm. At about 1.15am, a group of police officers showed up and conducted a spot check at the premise, Mr Lim recalled.

"They asked for my identification card and took down my particulars and contact number. I found them rude and in turn, asked for the name of one of the officers. He mumbled something and I couldn't hear, so I flipped his identification tag that he was wearing around his neck to check on his name," said Mr Lim, who claimed that the officers then surrounded him and physically abused him.

Police said that they take a serious view of all complaints made against officers and such complaints will be thoroughly investigated and if substantiated, police will not hesitate to take action against any errant officers.

However, if the allegations are found to be false, appropriate action in accordance with the law will be taken against any persons who furnish false information, which is an offence under Section 182 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, the police added.