The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has requested to view the CCTV footage of the shooting incident at Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) which resulted in the death of Yognand Chetram two Sundays ago.
This was according to a senior police rank who stated that after a file was submitted to the DDP Chambers for advice, the file was returned with the request to see the CCTV footage. Police had arrested a 65-year-old businessman for the murder of the 29-year-old man which occurred at his drinking bar.
It was reported that the now-dead man and his brother had gone into the T. Ramnarine Store but were later asked by the owner to leave the premises which they refused to do.
Dead:sss Yognand Chetram
The now dead man’s wife, Roshnie Baichan explained that her husband and other family members left home at about 4:30h for BBP to spread fertiliser to a rice field after which they went into the shop to change some money in smaller notes so it could have been divided equally.
The woman stated that her husband would normally go to the said shop after getting paid to ‘break up’ the money so it can be parted equally among the workers.
She said about an hour after her father-in-law returned home, she did not hear from her husband and decided to contact him via telephone. She was reportedly told that he was still in BBP and was on his way to change the money.
Again, after some time had elapsed and he did not return home, she went in search of him. According to the mother of three, there was no one at the scene when she arrived and the gates to the shop were closed.
However, the police stated that the businessman related that there was an argument among persons in the beer garden and the now-dead man along with others were breaking bottles and threatening each other.
The businessman told detectives that he attempted to close his gate when Chetram and another man threw him onto the ground thus causing injuries to his elbow. He added that while on the ground and being threatened with bottles, he whipped out his firearm and discharged two rounds hitting Chaitram who later collapsed.
He then secured his premises and reported the incident to the police. At the scene, Police found two .32 spent shells – one inside the shop and one outside near the gate.
Meanwhile, the police are expected to present the CCTV footage to the DPP Chambers later this week after which, a decision will be taken on the way forward.
