-explosion causes minor damage
A live grenade which was thrown at a Queenstown property early yesterday morning resulted in minor damage and the owner, an Essequibo businessman, says he is clueless as to the motive behind the attack which was apparently well planned.
This is the second such incident in as many months and up to press time last evening the police were no closer to finding the perpetrator who fled the scene in a white car seconds after the device exploded.
Police said in a press release yesterday that they are investigating the incident which occurred around 0100 hours. It was reported that a grenade was thrown at the home of businessman Bisnauth Samaroo, 28 years, of Crown and Oronoque streets, Georgetown, resulting in damage to windows and a concrete wall of the home.
The property – a three-storey building is owned by Essequibo businessman Doodnauth Samaroo. On April 1 last, Doodnauth’s son, Bisnauth, known as Troy moved into the middle flat. In the future the ground flat will house a business where batteries, spares and tyres will be sold.
When Stabroek News arrived at the Lot 146 location, the damage to a front window, the ceiling and a concrete column was evident.
Samaroo later recounted that he woke up around 10:30 pm to the sounds of firecrackers which were apparently part of the preparations for the Independence Day celebrations. Sometime later he said he heard a very loud explosion and when he looked out he saw a car driving off. He said that he could not see the colour of the vehicle, how many persons were inside or the face of the driver since the bright lights blinded his view.
He said that he later inquired from a security guard who was nearby what had happened and he was told that someone had thrown something at the house and it had exploded.
Samaroo said that when he went outside he was greeted by the damage to the concrete wall, ceiling and column. There were also cracks and holes resembling bullet holes on a nearby window.
He said that a few metres away he noticed the grenade’s pin.
The police were contacted and according to the man, ranks arrived promptly and conducted investigations before leaving with the pin.
The man expressed relief that his dog was safe explaining that where the grenade landed was the very spot the animal would be every night. The noise from the fireworks caused him to flee to the back of the yard.
No motive
Samaroo told this newspaper that the incident has left him surprised and “a bit scared’ as he had no problems with anyone that could result in such an attack. According to him, no one has ever threatened to harm him or his family.
Meanwhile, the elder Samaroo travelled yesterday from Hampton Court, Essequibo after receiving the news.
“I want to know why because we ain’t got no suspect …” he said when questioned about a motive.
He, like his son, was adamant that there was nothing that could have sparked the attack. The man stated that the construction of the building started a year ago and works are still ongoing.
He explained that he is the owner of Samaroo investment which offers construction services. The company is also the importer and distributor of Mac Silver plus power pack batteries, English Massey Ferguson, Perkins Spares and Japanese Spares and Lantas Nylon Tyres.
According to the elder Samaroo he wants to expand his business and give back to the country.
“I am very upset that this thing happen because I didn’t do anyone no wrong but I am hopeful that the police will catch them”, he said adding that he will carry out his own investigations in a bid to catch the culprits behind the attack. He added that he will not let this attack deter his plans to open his store.
The businessman was adamant that the attack was not random but he could offer no motive.
The man said that he was not only thankful that there was minimal damage to his property but that his son escaped injury.
Meanwhile both Samaroos expressed concerns over grenades being accessible to members of the public. According to the younger Samaroo, police need to investigate and find the source of these devices.
“If someone could just drive and throw a grenade at people house, then this is a cause for concern”, he added.
On March 23, a live grenade was hurled at the home of Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) head Mahender Sharma but it didn’t go off.
To date police have been unable to find the perpetrators behind the attack.
