A night of drinking turned tragic for a 44-year-old contractor who drowned after reportedly falling into a drainage canal at Ruby Backdam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on Saturday.
The deceased, Raj Birsa, had reportedly been consuming alcohol at a nearby shop around 7:00 p.m. when he got up to urinate near the canal. Witnesses said he lost his footing and fell into the water. At the time, the ‘koker’ was open, and the current was flowing north, reportedly drawing Birsa further into the canal.
Several residents at the scene formed a search party, and about two hours later, his lifeless body was found approximately 60 feet from where he had fallen.
He was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was examined by a doctor and pronounced dead. There were no visible signs of violence on the body, investigators said.
Birsa’s remains were taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination is expected to be performed. Investigations continue.
