Tag: ASP Bandhan

Charges soon for abusive knife-wielding Moruga father

Charges are expected to be laid soon against a Moruga man who was seen in a video abusing his son while holding a knife in a public space on February 10.

ACP South/Central Wayne Mystar told Newsday police were still conducting interviews up to the evening of February 12.

The 43-year-old suspect, from Marac Village, was taken into custody by the Special Victim Department (SVD) around 9 pm on February 11 after the video was shared with the Moruga police, and a report was made.

The Children’s Authority also went to the home of the suspect, and rescued the nine-year-old who was seen being physically and verbally abused in the video along with two of his brothers, ages seven and five.

Police were first alerted to the incident around 3.45 pm on February 11, when a Moruga woman reported a disturbing call she had received from her daughter earlier that day.

The woman said her daughter, who lives near the suspect, had said that around 8.45 pm on February 10, she heard a child screaming outside her home.

Outside, she saw a man she knew holding a knife while physically abusing one of his sons in the road.

She recorded the incident in a three-minute and 20 second video on her phone.

Police contacted the Children’s Authority and SVD.

Around 9 pm on February 11, officers from the Moruga Police Station under the supervision of Asp Bandhan and including Sgt Charles, acting Sgt Mungroo, Southern Division Task Force, Cpl Ramdass, WPC Valentine of the SVD and a representative of the authority, went to the suspect’s home.

Reports indicate that the children’s mother was murdered a few years ago and the children who were left in his custody often suffered abuse when he was under the influence of alcohol.

Police said no reports were ever made to them. The children were said to be in good health and remained in the custody of the Children’s Authority.

Barrackpore contractor shot dead

ROBBERY is believed to be the motive for the murder of a 61-year-old businessman killed on December 17 in the Barrackpore district at the home of a friend.

The victim, Deonarine Mahase of DM Contractors Ltd, lived at Kanhai Road South in Barrackpore.

He was shot and killed at the friend’s house around 5 am at Wilson Road, also in Barrackpore, where he often spent nights.

The police said he was walking to his Mazda van, which was parked in the road in front of the house, to go to his business place on Kanhai Road.

Gunshots were heard, and a masked gunman was seen standing over Mahase, who was lying on the ground under a shed.

The gunman pointed the gun at Mahase’s friend, warning her to stay inside.

Some time later, the body was found and the police were notified. They found five rounds of 9mm spent shell casings with the markings “Tech Luger 9mm.”

Mahase’s van was unlocked and had been ransacked. It was unclear what, if anything, had been stolen from it.

Among the first responders were PCs Esahack and Khan of the Barrackpore Police Station.

ASP Bandhan, Sgt Dhunkarie and other police from the Southern Division also visited as well as Sgt Deo, W/Cpl Dyer-Baptiste and WPC Valdez of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three.

DMO Dr Kiran Ramlogan viewed the body and ordered it removed for safekeeping at the mortuary of the San Fernando General Hospital pending an autopsy at the Forensic Science Centre in St James.

W/Cpl Dyer-Baptiste is leading the investigation.

No one has been arrested.

Investigations ongoing into Jayden Lalchan’s death by suicide

AN investigation into the suicide of 15-year-old Jayden Alex Lalchan from Princes Town is ongoing. The file is with investigators from the Southern Division and still needs to be completed.

ASP Bandhan of the Southern Division told Newsday on November 7: “The investigation is ongoing and we are moving expeditiously to bring it to a close in the shortest time. As much as we want it completed at an earlier time, there are a lot of logistics that sometimes debar that.

“Nothing is being stymied in getting this forward. It is of public concern and we want to ensure everyone has a fair hearing.”

Bandhan spoke during a police walkabout throughout the streets of Princes Town on the afternoon of November 7. The goal of the walkabout was to create awareness, especially among the business community, about extortion.

Previously, other police sources said a file was being completed to be sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide whether or not criminal charges could be filed.

Jayden, the form four student at St Stephen’s College in Craignish Village, Princes Town, died by suicide at his family’s home on Broomage Road on October 3. His parents, Rohan and Fareeda Lalchan have said their son was a victim of constant bullying by his school peers.

On October 4, St Stephen’s College posted a message on its Facebook page offering condolences to Jayden’s family, friends, and teachers. The post described his death as an “unimaginable loss” and highlighted the importance of kindness, empathy, and compassion in the community.

The school also said, “During times of such immense grief, we turn to Almighty God for strength and comfort. We pray that His divine presence brings peace to Jayden’s loved ones and to all who are grappling with the pain of this loss,” part of the post read.

“Jayden’s departure reminds us of the importance of kindness, empathy, and compassion in our community. While we may never fully understand the depth of the struggles he faced, we are committed to ensuring that no voice goes unheard and that no one ever feels alone.”

On the same day the school shared the message, students and staff participated in a walk in Princes Town to promote peace and harmony within the community.

Jayden’s death sparked public outrage.

On October 7, hundreds of people took part in a candlelight vigil and march from Princes Town Promenade to the gates of St Stephen’s College, calling for justice for Jayden and an end to bullying.

Jayden’s funeral was held on October 8 at the JR & D Convention Centre in Princes Town, where many mourners, including schoolmates, gathered to say their final goodbyes.

Anyone who needs help or may be be thinking about harming themselves can call Lifeline (24-hour hotline) at 800-5588, 866-5433 or 220-3636.