Mandir showdown leads to multiple charges

A dispute between members of two families in Patentia, West Bank Demerara, which escalated on April 14 at the Patentia Mandir has led to multiple charges over threatening behavior.

At the Wales Magistrate’s Court on Monday, Danmattie Sooknauth, 58, of Patentia Housing Scheme was placed on self-bail after she entered a not guilty plea on the charge of abusive language to Vindawattie Sookram. The married housewife who has three children, will return to court on July 29.

Meanwhile, Sugnauth Sookram, 31, son of Vindawattie pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on April 14 he unlawfully assaulted Roopnand Sooknauth [husband of Vindawattie] at the Patentia Mandir. The defendant who is a taxi driver was placed on $10,000 bail and will make his next court appearance on July 23.

According the Prosecution’s case, the altercations between the two families exploded after a young man attached to the Sooknauths reportedly confiscated a quantity of Parsad [Hindu sweetmeat] during a Navratri observance at the Patentia Mandir. This caused a row between the two families where abusive language was hurled and some individuals assaulted.

Vidawattie Sookram was previously accused of physically assaulting Danmattie Sooknauth while Roopchand Sugnauth was charged on April 25 for assault and bodily harm.