At least 16 persons have been arrested as police intensify investigations into the armed robberies at Number 11 and Number 56 villages, in the Corentyne that left one man shot and another nursing chop wounds.
Police sources told Stabroek News yesterday that 12 suspects have been arrested in connection with the robbery at Number 56 Village, and four others for the robbery at Number 11.
Krishnadat Paydanna, 47, a rice and cash farmer of Lesbeholden South, Black Bush Polder sustained a gunshot wound to his left shoulder during the robbery at No. 56 Village. He was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is still a patient.
Paydanna was among several guests at the home of his sister-in-law, Kamach ‘Baby’ Muthusami, when five masked bandits barged in. Three were armed with guns while the others had cutlasses.
Muthusami’s daughter, Rovina, 23, and son-in-law, Andy Ramjit, 28, who came from overseas, had organised the family get-together. The bandits carted off a quantity of gold jewellery, local currency, US$600 and other items.
During the robbery at Number 11 Village, bandits almost severed Deochand ‘Suraj’ Hemchand’s ear and also chopped his head, left palm and right elbow.
Hemchand, 32, who operates a grocery and liquor restaurant, was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he was admitted a patient.
Hemchand’s wife, Yogita, told this newspaper that it seems as though “he would have to spend a long time in hospital.” She pointed out too that the bone specialist at the hospital is currently on leave. As such, the condition of her husband’s hands has not yet been assessed and surgery was not performed.
The bandits, who shot at their house before invading, overpowered Hemchand and took away the cutlass and dealt him the chops. They then ransacked a wardrobe and grabbed several pieces of gold jewellery.
According to Yogita, the bandits went into the shop and took away the proceeds from the day’s sales and other cash as well as a quantity of phone cards.
