A young narcotics detective, who was gaining a reputation for making big drug busts, was early yesterday morning found dead in his car, shot to the head execution-style, on the public road at Jackson Creek, Corentyne, Berbice.
The murder of Detective Constable 20682 Jirbahan Dianand, 23, of Lot 70 No. 64 Village, Corentyne, sent shockwaves throughout Berbice yesterday. Up to press time, Stabroek News was told that there were three persons in police custody and a search was on for other suspects.
Dianand, who was also known as ‘Bachan’ and ‘Justin Dianand,’ was stationed at the Moleson Creek Police Outpost and attached to the Narcotics Section. In a statement, police said that around 5:30 am, Dianand “was found in motor car PHH 6528 on the public road at Jackson Creek, Corentyne, with a suspected gunshot wound to the head.”
Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell told this newspaper that from all indications, Dianand knew his killer, pointing out that the car was stopped on the lonely roadway.
Crime Chief Seelall Persaud later said that the motive for the killing remained unclear, when asked if the murder might be linked to the policeman’s work. He said that investigators still have a lot of work to do in the case.
According to Persaud, Dianand had made several significant drug seizures. He also said that during his time there, the force never received any negative complaints about his behaviour.
Dianand, who was also a Second Year student at the University of Guyana Tain Campus, had been in the police force only two and a half years. He was said to be especially good at finding narcotics hidden in vehicles. He currently has a few cases in the courts, including at Springlands, where he was the main witness.
Stabroek News learnt that the discovery of the body was made by passers-by, who alerted the police.
When police arrived at the scene, Dianand was found with his head faced down in the driver’s seat of his burgundy tinted vehicle.
A source said that the young policeman received a shot to his forehead on the left side. His body was later transferred to the Skeldon Hospital, while the car is currently lodged at the Springlands Police Station. When Stabroek News visited the station, police officers were carrying out a thorough search on the vehicle.
When Stabroek visited Dianand’s home, his grieving mother Drupattie Dianand was distraught. The woman cried uncontrollably, while her son’s family and friends converged at the house.
After she regained some of her composure, she told this newspaper how she received the brief but life changing news of her son’s death.
Her husband, “Dutchie” (only name given), a tapir driver, called her around 7am and informed that their son was murdered. “They shoot he,” she recalled him telling her, while adding that the news left her traumatised.
Drupattie said the last time she had spoken to her son was on the previous afternoon. He had told her then that he would go to the gym and then to work, she recalled.
She added that he loved his job and never complained about it. She also said that he had no dispute with anyone, since he was a very jovial person.
At the Springlands Police Station, black flags were seen in the compound and the atmosphere was sombre.
It was the same at the Tain Campus, where the university flag was flown at half mast.
Students who knew Dianand were either devastated or shocked at the news of his death. Some mourned openly, saying they would miss a great friend.
A student from Dianand’s Public Management class expressed sympathy to his family and loved ones on behalf of the entire campus, including his class.
Dianand’s body is currently being stored at the Skeldon Hospital mortuary until a post-mortem examination that is likely to take place on Monday. Dianand is survived by his parents and an older brother.
Meanwhile, opposition party AFC condemned Dianand’s killing and urged the police force not to be deterred from carrying out their lawful duties by intimidation.
“The AFC condemns the killing of the young police detective and urges the Guyana Police Force not to be deterred by this brazen act of murder which was clearly designed to intimidate members of the Force and keep them away from carrying out their lawful duties,” it said in a brief statement.
“The AFC will not condone the murder of any citizen and especially condemns the murder of law enforcement officers,” it added.
The party extended condolences to Dianand’s family and relatives.
