Police continue to hunt suspect in school stabbing

POLICE are still searching for a teenage suspect who allegedly stabbed three male Penal Secondary School students at the Parvati Girls' Hindu College bazaar on March 8.

Police sources told Newsday they had a possible identity of the student and were looking for him.

If found, the student could face charges including, but not limited to, causing grievous bodily harm under the Offences Against the Person Act.

"Any person who unlawfully and maliciously by any means whatsoever wounds or causes any grievous bodily harm to any person, or shoots at any person with intent to do some grievous bodily harm to any person, or with intent to resist or prevent the lawful apprehension or detainer of any person, is liable to imprisonment for fifteen years," the act says.

Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha general secretary Vijay Maharaj told Newsday on March 9 that the suspect was a suspended Penal Secondary School student who managed to smuggle a small pen knife in his shoe into the fundraising event.

"These fellas and them seem to want to take whatever is in their school and transport it into all different venues. Maybe it could have happened in a Subway or Kentucky (Fried Chicken) or something. It's just a matter of convenience. So he was just walking around with this knife in his shoe, looking for them."

The incident happened around 4.30 pm during the school's disco.

Two of the victims, 16 and 17, had to be taken to the San Fernando General Hospital by ambulance for injuries to their left arms.

Investigators have not yet been able to interview them owing to their condition and the absence of their guardians. Minors cannot be interviewed without parental supervision.

However, sources said arrangements were being made to get the statements within the next 48 hours. Police are also trying to get in touch with the third victim.

Newsday understands the 17-year-old had to undergo surgery to repair his tendons as his arm's mobility was compromised by the injury. The 16-year-old was not as seriously injured but received about six stitches before being discharged.

Sgt Seecharran and Insp Maharaj are continuing investigations.