Body of missing man found in Berbice River

– relatives suspect foul play

The body of a man was found on the shore of the Berbice River on Tuesday morning after he went missing Monday afternoon. Relatives suspect foul play.

Dead is Ramesh Seegolam, also called “Mickey”, 30, a cane harvester attached to the Rose Hall Sugar Estate, of Pepper Street, Heatburn, East Bank Berbice.

According to information, Seegolam had gone swimming on Monday afternoon

Dead: Ramesh Seegolam
Dead: Ramesh Seegolam

with a couple and a young child. When they returned to the community, without the man, the child and the couple allegedly gave different accounts of what happened at Heatburn.

The woman reported that Seegolam could not be found, and explained that he was last seen coming out of the water and heading into the bushes. However, when questioned, the primary school student told residents that Seegolam did not leave the water. She said the man plunged and was not seen again. The child also reported seeing blood in the water.

Seegolam’s mother, Usha, confirmed that the couple returned without her son about 17:00h. She explained that Seegolam had been at home consuming alcoholic beverages with his father when the couple, who live a few houses away, passed and invited her son to go fishing and swimming with them. A few hours later, the woman returned to Seegolam’s home with his clothing and said his whereabouts were unknown.

The couple were taken into Police custody on Monday evening when a search for the missing man proved futile. His body was discovered on the river bank on Tuesday.

One resident, Adesia Andrews said she was told two different stories, and was of the opinion there was foul play involved. She said the man was an excellent swimmer. She also claimed that the female suspect allegedly told some residents that she was taking Seegolam as they passed on their way to the river.

There are also reports that Seegolam and the couple were involved in an argument last Saturday; that was confirmed by the dead man’s mother, although she could not say what it was about.

Villagers say Seegolam was accused of making advances to the woman. On Saturday, the male suspect accused Seegolam of having an affair with his wife. Seegolam was not married and had no children. Police are continuing with their investigations.