One of the suspects who was detained in relation to Monday’s home invasion during which cambio dealer Devendra Churaman was robbed of millions in cash and jewellery was yesterday positively identified as a member of the gang who committed the crime.
This was confirmed by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum who informed Stabroek News that the suspect was positively identified during an identification parade held yesterday. However, the suspect has since denied the allegation and investigators were up to last evening still examining his alibi.
Blanhum also said that several of the detained suspects will today be escorted to Georgetown where they will be questioned by ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department’s Major Crimes Unit.
A total of nine suspects, including an ex-police officer and a woman who were arrested between Monday and Tuesday, remain in custody as the investigation continues.
A gang of 14 men, heavily armed with guns including AK 47s and a cutlass invaded the Lot 93 Albert Street, Number 79 Village, Corentyne, Berbice home of Churaman around 2 am on Monday.
Sources had told this newspaper that several of those in custody were previously charged with armed robbery. Information also revealed that many of the alleged gang members reportedly hail from the New Amsterdam and Canje areas. Churaman had told Stabroek News that five men gained entry to his home by breaking his front window and removing his iron grill with a sledgehammer.
Neighbours had related that nine men stood guard outside and repeatedly discharged rounds in an effort to deter residents from rushing to Churaman’s aid. The five men who invaded the cambio dealer’s home had held him at gunpoint and fired off several shots in the home before Churaman complied with their demands that he hand over cash.
They made good their escape with over $20 million in local and foreign currency and a quantity of jewellery.
This was confirmed yesterday by Churaman, who said he was hoping that the investigators will soon “nail the culprits.”
A total of eight 7.62×39 spent shells, 21 live 7.62×39 rounds of ammunition and two spent 12- gauge cartridges were discovered at the scene after the attack.
