Family want closure on death of elderly man

– slam GPF for slothfulness in investigating matter

Family members of 75-year-old Oudit Narine, whose decomposed body was discovered in his home at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) in May, are growing increasingly frustrated with the pace of the Police investigation of his demise.

The man’s sister on Friday told this publication in a telephone interview that ever since her brother’s body had been discovered, family members have been trying to get information on the case, but the Police continue to drag their feet.
Family members suspect that foul play was involved in Narine’s death, and they are calling for swift progress in uncovering the truth.
“We called and try to find out about the case with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the officer said she doesn’t know… We keep calling and getting no answer”, Narine’s sister has said.
After the distressing incident had unfolded, investigators had diligently worked to piece together the puzzle surrounding Narine’s untimely demise. The case file was handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), signalling a critical stage in the investigation.
However, Police Commander Mahendra Siwnarine, when contacted, explained that the Police are yet to receive any response from the DPP on the way forward.
He reassured that once there is feedback from the DPP Chambers, the family would be the first to know what has been recommended.
An autopsy performed on the body of the elderly man had indicated that he died as a result of blunt trauma to the head. In a previous interview with Narine’s relative, it was related that he had resided in the upper flat of a two-storey home, while his son and brother-in-law lived in the lower flat. Concerned neighbours had reported a foul odour emanating from Narine’s house, and that had prompted the family to conduct their own investigation.
As they visited the house, they found Narine’s partially decomposed body in the bathroom showing signs of violence, and bloodstains were evident. Narine was found in a kneeling position, and the advanced state of decomposition suggested a considerable period had elapsed since his passing. The family grew suspicious because neither Narine’s son nor brother-in-law had checked on him, despite the strong stench emanating from the upper flat of the house.
Adding to their concerns, conflicting information had emerged from Narine’s son regarding the events leading up to his father’s death. Initially, he claimed they had cooked and eaten dinner together two days prior to his discovery, but the family found that account inconsistent, considering the strong odour suggested that Narine had been dead for some time. And the son’s statements continued to vary, deepening the family’s doubts.
Following discovery of the body, Narine’s son and brother-in-law had both been taken into custody, but were subsequently released.
In light of these circumstances, the family are demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Narine’s death. They seek answers and justice, and are hoping the authorities would expedite the process to bring clarity and closure to this disturbing case. (G-9)