Desi student's laptop stolen, recovered in Singapore college

Mr. X (name withheld to protect identity) from Mumbai, who is doing his MBA at James Cook University in Singapore was the victim of a theft earlier this week. he was working on his laptop (worth around $1000 US) in the university lab. He went to pick up a print-out and when he came back the laptop was missing.

The stolen (and later recovered) goods

Mr. X duly contacted campus security who went over surveillance tapes and identified the perpetrator, a Singapore local how is doing her business major at the same University. The accussed was picked up along with the stolen goods on campus and local authorities are waiting on word from Mr. X on whether to press charges on her.
When Mr. X contacted University officials, they have promised to take discplinary action on her also.
Mr. X, in the meanwhile, is mulling on whether to press charges in the light of the recovery of his stolen goods. He is well aware of the tough local laws in Singapore which may cause permanent bodily harm to the accussed.
"I am open to advice from other desis who have had similar experiences", says Mr. X.
What would you do?

Corporal punishment in Singapore