Three witnesses testified yesterday at the start of the preliminary into the murder charge against Vindra Seeram, who stands accused of drowning his wife, Shelly Persaud, in a bucket of water at their home in June.
It is alleged that Seeram murdered Persaud at Lot 34 Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara, sometime between June 9 and June 10.
Persaud’s sister, Sherriann Persaud, was the first to take the stand and offer evidence. During her testimony the woman stared at Seeram, who avoided looking at her. At one point, a relative answered a question for Sherriann while Prosecutor Michael Grant was questioning Sherriann. That woman was immediately asked to leave the court.
A neighbour and close friend of the couple, Iris Dillon, also testified as did Constable 17973 Rohan Baksh, a police officer attached to the Criminal Investigations Department at Ruimveldt Police Station.
Seeram’s lawyer, Keavon Bess, subjected both Dillon and Constable Baksh to lengthy cross-examinations. Baksh was also re-examined by the prosecution.
Persaud was found with her head inside a five gallon bucket of water and an autopsy later found that she died of drowning and manual strangulation.
The preliminary inquiry continues today, when two more of the 11 prosecution witnesses are scheduled to testify will take the stand.
