Wilfred, 20, was held along with Deonarine Rafick and a 15-year-old boy for questioning after last week’s murder of ex-Region Three vice-chairman Ramenauth Bisram. In a statement last evening, the police force said that its Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) continued with investigations “into the alleged use of excessive force on prisoners by members of the Police Force.”
The police said statements have been acquired from two additional victims, other than the teenaged victim, who claimed that they were beaten by police ranks during the investigation into Bisram’s murder.
In addition statements have been taken from 16 police ranks and two civilians. Medical reports have been uplifted for two of the alleged victims and the investigations are proceeding apace. Charges are expected to be laid shortly, the police declared.
Rafick was charged with the murder on Friday and during his court appearance displayed signs of a beating and had a gaping wound to his head which required stitches. He alleged torture. The next day, it was revealed that the teen bore horrific burns to his genitals and surrounding parts of his body and his attorney also said that he was beaten. He remains hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Two detectives, who were part of the investigating team, have since been held in custody by the police following media reports.
No charges have been laid against Wilfred but relatives, who yesterday voiced their concern, said they are unable to hire a lawyer.
Meanwhile, Rafick’s relatives said that his eyes remained black and blue and swollen. They visited him in the prison yesterday and left after mid-day and up to that time he had not yet seen a doctor. They said that he complained of pain in his feet, head and teeth but tried to “bear up” as he did not want them to be worried about him.
The relative said that the prison authorities had promised to take Rafick to the hospital but up to the time she left yesterday, this had not been done and she was unable to confirm if they later took him.
