Cattle farming labourer Suresh Sakawat was slapped with two indictable charges of murder and attempted murder when he appeared in the Whim Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Sakawat called ‘Vishal,’ 28, of Clifton Settlement, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga and had the charges read to him.
It is allegedly that on June 2, he murdered Sasenarine Baljit, 41, called ‘Frying Pan’ of Clifton Settlement. A second charge read that he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Navindra Permaul, 39, Lot 121, Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, with intent to commit murder. The unrepresented accused is expected to return to court on July 13. The state is being represented by Police Prosecutor Sergeant Althea Solomon.
According to reports, on the said night it is believed that the group of labourers was engaged in a drinking spree before the accused opened fire.
According to reports, the suspect first fired at Permaul and then turned his attention to Baljit. Both men ran away from the suspect, but Permaul fell while Baljit ran further and was not seen after. Permaul reportedly told investigators that he was able to contact his employer, who went to his rescue the next morning. Baljit was found two days later in a decomposing state by his employer Sheldon Leiso. An autopsy examination conducted by forensic pathologist Dr Vivekanand Brijmohan gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Permaul sustained minor injuries and was taken for medical attention at the New Amsterdam Hospital after he was rescued.
The shooting incident had occurred on June 2 around 9 pm, in the Tain backlands 10 miles away from the public road.
