Investigators of the Guyana Fire Service are seeking to further question Rampersaud Seepersaud, who is suspected to have set his family home on fire on the morning of February 14 at Covent Garden.
Two weeks prior to the fire, family members had informed investigators, Seepersaud had made threats to burn the house. However, the man told fire investigators that a fan overheated and caught on fire, while denying the claims made by members of his family.
A source close to investigations told Stabroek News that from preliminary findings, Seepersaud’s story was inconsistent and as such he needed to be questioned furthered. The source said they have been unable to question Seepersaud owing to him being hospitalised.
Investigators believe the fire was deliberately set. The source explained that the act was believed to have stemmed from a domestic dispute between Seepersaud and his wife who had moved out due to being abused constantly. The wife had attempted to commit suicide and was hospitalized. After being released from the hospital she moved in with a relative and did not return home.
The investigation is expected to be closed within a few days.
According to Mandy Seepersaud, 19, an occupant of the Lot 89 ‘A’ Covent Garden house, she was sleeping at her aunt next door when she learned of the fire. She recalled being awakened by a cousin, who informed her that her home was engulfed in flames. When she got up, she said, she saw her father on the road.
She said nothing could have been done since the fire had already consumed the entire building.
Stabroek News was told that firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to two other houses. However, those houses were scorched.
Mandy Seepersaud estimated the losses to be between $3 million and $4 million, since the house was furnished with modern amenities.
Mandy and her family said they would be willing to accept any assistance from the public and can be contacted on 265-4299 or 699-4748.
