Bandits robbed an East Coast Demerara (ECD) businesswoman of $6 million around noon yesterday, shortly after she left the Republic Bank Water Street branch.
Stabroek News understands the gunmen pounced on Indranie Boodhoo of Lot 31 Chimney Road, Chateau Margot, ECD as she entered her yard and demanded that she hand over a bag containing the money, with which they escaped.
The driver of the taxi the businesswoman used is currently assisting police with investigations.
Indranie and her husband Mulchand Boodhoo operate a vehicle upholstery shop at Chateau Margot. According to an employee, Indranie had just entered the yard, when the bandits armed with guns followed behind her. The employee Rocky (only name given) recounted that he saw a silver Toyota Allion HB8059 pull up; one of the bandits jumped out from the front passenger seat and ran into the yard while the other bandit, who was driving, followed behind.
The eyewitness added when the woman saw the armed men enter the yard, she threw the bag containing the money to her husband. “After she throw the bag give him they left her and ran to him and placed the gun to his head and ask he for the money,” he recounted.
Stabroek News was told the ordeal lasted about five minutes after which the bandits hopped back into their vehicle and sped off.
Meanwhile, Commander of ‘C’ Division Marlon Chapman is urging persons to make use of security firms when they are transferring large sums of money. He stated that the pattern of robberies after visits to financial institutions was occurring too often and persons needed to be more cautious.
Stabroek News was told that no one knew the woman was going to the bank to conduct any financial transaction.
An investigation has been launched and police have since reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby supermarket.
