A Sophia family who lost almost everything on election night after a mob looted their home is calling on the government and relevant authorities to look into the matter and render any possible assistance.
About three weeks ago, six vehicles, a house and a shack with a stable attached were set on fire in `C’ Field, Sophia after allegations circulated that ballot boxes were in the PPP/C command centre located there.
Speaking with Stabroek News yesterday, Farida Prasad, the owner of house that was burnt, said that her family lost almost $20 million in valuables. This, according to her, included, a Canter which her husband used to earn an income, two shops that belonged to her daughters and provided them with an income and three motorcycles. A safe containing gold and cash, important documents such as her passport with US visa, those of her children and husband and documents pertaining to property was also damaged.
On the night of the incident, Prasad said, she was forced to furtively leave the area along with her family and go to a city hotel where they spent the night. She said she had two houses at the location and fortunately one is still standing although there is damage to the doors, windows and roof. Huge gaping holes and in some cases missing fixtures have been replaced temporarily by boards and zinc sheets. While the other house was burned, the one still standing was ransacked and Prasad said they were left, “hopeless, homeless, clothe-less, and foodless.”
Since that day, the woman said, she along with her entire family have been residing at a niece’s place. However, to protect the little that remains, she has put persons to stay in the house and visits occasionally.
That night for her was the most terrifying one she ever experienced. She recalled that while trying to secure her door, she was stoned to her right hand; the wound has not yet healed. Her husband Tony Prasad is still unable to work. He was injured about his body while he was trying to set his horses free after the stable was set on fire. Thankfully her children were not injured but she said they are still traumatized and counting their losses. Her two daughters are hoping every day for assistance to restart their businesses.
Meanwhile, the entire incident was caught on surveillance cameras from the house and the woman said she had handed the footage over to the police and is hoping that at least those seen in the footage will be arrested. This will be some sort of justice for her, she said. Her last visit to the police station was yesterday, she said, where she was told that the matter is still being investigated.
The family has already received some assistance but Prasad is pleading for any possible help to return to living a normal life again. Anyone willing to render any form of assistance to the family can call telephone # 612-0375.
