Tain murder trial: Former co-accused admits role in robbery as defence challenges credibility

Former co-accused Kevin Mangar, called “Chubby”, who turned state witness, delivered dramatic testimony on Thursday at the Berbice Assizes in the Tain murder trial for the 2020 killing of 82-year-old Chandarie “Aunty Dayo” Budhoo.
The witness, who was a juvenile at the time of the crime, told the court that he was involved in planning a robbery at Budhoo’s Tain Settlement home but insisted that the three accused now on trial, Dhannyram Ramdhanny, Kumar Bhagwandin, and Narvindra Chillu, are the ones who murdered her during the home invasion.
The trial is being presided over by Justice Sandil Kissoon, with Attorney-at-Law Cicela Corbin leading evidence on behalf of the State. The accused, Ramdhanny and Bhagwandin, are represented by Attorney-at-Law Kevin Morgan, while Chillu is being represented by attorneys Vinay Punwa and Chandra Sohan.
In 2022, Mangar was charged along with the three but was set free at the Magistrate’s Court. The trio was committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of the pensioner.

In presenting its case that the three murdered the pensioner during a robbery being carried out at her home, the State called several witnesses, with Mangar the key witness.
In his evidence, Mangar told the court that he served as a lookout while the men entered the house and later received money to remain silent.
He detailed how the accused entered the house and where his position was, and also of hearing the old lady screaming for “a long time” before going silent.
Under questioning by Punwa, the witness admitted to being involved in “other criminal activity”, including a break-in at Clifton Settlement, where he and others stole $1.3 million in jewellery and $235,760 in cash from the home of Rohan Persaud.
He pleaded guilty in that matter and is currently serving a four-year prison sentence.
He also acknowledged that he had smoked marijuana for the first time on the night Budhoo was killed, a detail that defence attorney Sohan used to question the reliability of his recollection.
During a forceful cross-examination, Sohan pointed out inconsistencies in the witness’s version of events.
Sohan asked him why it is that he is now giving evidence against the accused, with whom he was charged alongside.
Mangar said at the time he was a juvenile, and he was released at the Magistrate Court.
“Me na snitch on them,” Mangar said, indicating that he had not turned against those he once was involved with.
Budhoo’s body was discovered on June 17, 2020, bound and bearing injuries consistent with a violent attack inside her Lot 83 Tain Settlement home. After months of investigation, the three accused were arrested and committed to stand trial.
Initially, Police arrested Mangar and Chillu but released them after 72 hours.
However, two years later, Police were able to find Ramdhanny and Bhagwandin, resulting in the quartet being charged and placed before the court. However, Mangar was subsequently freed and eventually became a witness for the prosecution.
On Thursday, the prosecution closed its case, and the matter has been adjourned until Monday, when the accused will be required to lead a defence.