Salute for slain cop

CITIZENS must salute and respect all police officers who risk their lives daily to keep them and the country safe from criminals.

Pundit Denishwar Maharaj made this call when he spoke at the funeral service of PC Krishna Banahar at his family's home at Silver Stream Trace, Fyzabad on November 9.

Banahar, 25, who was attached to the Siparia CID, was killed during an anti-crime exercise in St Rose Street, Gonzales, Guapo on November 6. He was shot in the head and several times in his torso and was pronounced dead at the Point Fortin Hospital at 5.20 am.

Also killed was scrap iron dealer Al Hakim Joseph, 44, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Another officer, Cpl Mohammed, was also hospitalised with gunshot wounds stemming from the incident.

Before the start of the service, Banahar's mother, Arrilla, wept openly and was comforted by her husband Sonnylal.

"My child. My child," she said as police officers carried the casket bearing Banahar's body into the front yard of their home.

His siblings Karishma, Keishan and Krishan joined Sonnylal in comforting Arrilla.

Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher, joined by several other senior police officers and National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds were among the people who joined Banahar's family, friends, neighbours and fellow police officers to pay their last respects to him.

Harewood-Christopher and Hinds chatted intently with Banahar's family before the service began.

Maharaj said, "Lord Krishna says that when one performs their duties. If one dies in the course of their duties, there is only one place that soul can go and that soul merges and becomes one with him.

Maharaj said Banahar was his godson and had a special place in his heart.

Many people, he continued, would never know that Banahar was a police officer if they saw him at home.

Maharaj said he was a kind and happy person who spread joy to everyone he met.

He recalled being concerned that Banahar may have had a hard time when he joined the police service five years ago because he was "soft".

Maharaj said he was proven wrong about this because he did not know that Banahar possessed a certain toughness about him and demonstrated leadership qualities as a police officer.

"Today we salute Krishna and we salute all our hard-working policemen and women."

Maharaj said, "When we go to bed at night. We can sleep comfortably, knowing fully well that you (the police) are looking after us. You are protecting us."

Police officers, he continued, leave their homes and their families "to go out there and do your duty without fear or favour" putting their lives at risk.

"Your families don't know if you will return home but you go out there and you do your duty, to the best of your ability. To protect us. To safeguard us. To safeguard this country and all its citizens."

He added, "This morning, we salute Krishna and all our hard-working men and women of our police service."

Maharaj said the community where Banahar lived was very closely knitted.

"We are all feeling the hurt and the pain of losing Krishna."

He thanked Harewood-Christopher and Hinds for attending the service.

"Your presence here this morning means so much to us. It will give so much comfort to the parents and the siblings and indeed to all of us who are here this morning."

Hinds told the gathering the entire population mourns the death of Banahar who dedicated his life to protecting them against criminals.

"I have come here on behalf of the government and all of the people of the Republic of TT to share those cries, to share that pain, to share that burden and to let you know that we are in respect and honour and admiration of this young man."

As he expressed his condolences to Banahar's family, Hinds acknowledged the "river of tears" that flowed through their home.

"From the time I entered, I saw faces all moistened with tears as you bear the burdens of this tremendous loss of this beautiful young man. A man who chose service. A man who chose to guard and to protect and to guide as opposed to those who took his life."

The latter, Hinds continued, "chose a pathway of crime and evil and sinfulness."

He said, "As we all know, crime is a manifestation of the very sinful nature of us human beings. Some of those sins, we in the society brand as crime. Certainly, killing is one of them."

Hinds was pleased about the police's reaction to Banahar's murder.

"I am told that one of the perpetrators is now in custody, assisting them with the inquiry around this dignified and decent serving personality's passing."

Hinds pointed out the red poppy flower that he wore on his jacket to the gathering.

He said this symbol honoured TT citizens who were members of the armed forces who died in World Wars I and II.

A wreath-laying ceremony to honour these people takes place at Memorial Park on November 10.

President Christine Kangaloo and the Prime Minister are expected to be among those laying wreaths at the park during that ceremony.

Hinds said wearing the poppy to Banahar's funeral was timely as a mark of respect for him.

South Western Division Snr Supt Edmund Cumberbatch said he was Banahar's overall supervisor.

"My job although easy to some, is just as hard for me."

Cumberbatch extended condolences to Banahar's family on behalf of the police.

"Our hearts ache for you during this incredibly difficult time. We honour his selfless sacrifice and unwavering commitment to serving and protecting our community."

Cumberbatch said, "His bravery and dedication will forever be remembered."

He added, "We will ensure that his memory lives on. Both in the community and in the police service."

Ag Insp Geoffrey Prescott of the Siparia CID remembered Banahar as a dedicated police officer who had an unwavering commitment to protect and serve the population. He said Banahar was well respected by his colleagues and his superiors alike.

"He displayed great maturity. He served with distinction."

"He was our hero."

Banahar was later cremated at the Shore of Peace, Mosquito Creek.