The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the carnal knowledge charge against Chandra Narine Sharma was on Friday set for June 9 for continuation since the order which was previously granted to him by the High Court allowing him to seek overseas medical treatment has expired.
Prosecutor Sonia Joseph attached to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) applied for the adjournment. Sharma had been granted leave by the High Court to travel overseas for medical treatment and the PI into the matter, which had already started, had to be stalled.
Joseph told the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Friday that the order has since expired and the prosecution is ready to proceed with the continuation of the PI on the next occasion.
Sharma was absent when the matter was initially called.
However, the prosecution went ahead with its application after which the matter was adjourned. The accused arrived about 15 minutes later and explained that he was late because he was in another court.
Magistrate Sueanna Lovell informed the defendant about the developments that had transpired in his absence and advised him to apprise his attorneys who were also absent from the hearing. The magistrate then asked Sharma if his attorneys were aware that his matter was set for Friday.
He responded yes, but said he did not know why they had not attended court.
Sharma has been charged with the sexual abuse of three girls. On April 26, he was charged with attempting to obstruct the course of justice. It is alleged that on April 15, he knowingly attempted to obstruct the course of justice by removing two of the girls at the centre of the allegations against him from their known address and taking them to a house at Lot 123 Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara in order to prevent them from being questioned by police.
Sharma has been granted bail for the alleged offences.
