The man who was detained by Police in connection with the murder of Parika fuel dealer Seeram Singh’s murder was positively identified by an eyewitness, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed.
Deceased: Seeram Singh
Blanhum told Guyana Times that during an identification parade (ID) on Tuesday, the man was positively identified.
The Crime Chief said a test was conducted on the suspect’s clothing and gunpowder residue was found.
The suspect, who was arrested on Sunday evening in Parika, will be charged with the capital offence by the end of the week.
A woman, said to be an ex-lover of the now dead businessman, was arrested earlier, but it was unclear if she was released.
Guyana Times understands that the woman contracted the gunman to execute the businessman and to make it look like a robbery after he (Singh) broke off the relationship and began dating someone else.
Singh, 52, of Lot 40 Parika Outfall, East Bank Essequibo, was stabbed to his abdomen and shot twice – to his head and his hip.
The bullet to his head was at close range and may have been the fatal shot. According to information, the man was talking to someone on his mobile phone when he was attacked and stabbed.
In an attempt to raise an alarm, the injured man ran towards a shop, but the gunman gave chase and caught up with him. A scuffle ensued and it was then the suspect discharged two rounds at Singh. As the businessman fell, the gunman relieved him of two gold chains and escaped.
Singh was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, West Coast Demerara, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Hours after the shooting the supposedly spurned woman was taken into custody.
Alesia Singh, the man’s daughter, told Guyana Times her father did not have any enemies. She described him as religious and helpful. The businessman operated several vessels that would supply fuel to miners in the Cuyuni/Mazaruini area.
The man leaves to mourn five children.
