Bartica market vendor found dead in home

The lifeless body of a Bartica market vendor was on Thursday morning found at his house with several bruises by his friend who had turned up at his house on an invitation to “have a drink”.
Dead is Chandrika Persaud, 53, of Lot 96 West Indian Housing Scheme, Bartica, Essequibo River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Based on reports received, the man’s body was discovered at about 09:00h.
Guyana Times was told that at about 07:00h, the now dead man had invited a friend who lives close by to “lime” but the friend never showed up since he claimed he had several house chores.
That was the last time he said he saw Persaud alive. However, after completing his chores, the friend walked over to Persaud’s home.
The man reportedly told detectives that he called out several times for Persaud but there was no response. As such, he entered the man’s yard since he thought that it was usual for Persaud to be at home and not respond to his calls.
As he approached the steps, he saw Persaud lying in a motionless state. In a panic, he immediately raised an alarm and the police were summoned to the scene.
Upon checking the body, the investigators discovered abrasions on Persaud’s upper right shoulder, right elbow and swelling on the right side of his forehead.
He was taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was confirmed dead by doctors on duty. His body was later transported to Lyken’s Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.
The results of the autopsy will determine whether the police will treat the man’s death as a homicide.