The three men arrested in connection with the murder of cambio dealer Totaram Mohotoo and his wife Bhagwattie have been released from police custody and according to Crime Chief Seelall Persaud the case is still being pursued.
Contacted yesterday Persaud told Stabroek News that the three persons who were arrested last week were released on bail after the 72 hours permitted by law for them to remain in police custody had expired. He said, “we are pursuing a line of inquiry”.
Police officials had said that the trio was not being treated as suspects but rather persons of interest who might be able to provide information that could lead to those responsible for killing the couple before setting their home alight two Fridays ago.
Based on the reports received by Stabroek News neighbours were awakened by loud explosions. On looking out, fire was spotted coming from the front section of the couple’s Area Q, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara home.
Shortly after that there was a loud explosion which caused a huge hole in the front of the house.
Residents were unaware that the Mohotoos were in the home and it was only after firemen extinguished the blaze that they found them badly burnt on what was once their bed. Post-mortem examinations revealed that Mohotoo called “Beer” and “Fat man”, 54, died as a result of smoke inhalation compounded by blunt trauma, while Bhagwattie popularly called ‘Dolly’, 48, died of blunt trauma to the back compounded by smoke inhalation. Mohotoo’s hands were tied behind his back when he was found. The couple was later cremated.
Motive is unclear but according to the information reaching this newspaper the incident might have been sparked by a fallout over outstanding money.
