Almost two years after the proprietor of the Regent Multiplex Mall was gunned down at his La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara home, the preliminary inquiry (PI) is still dragging on.
Ganesh Ramlall was killed around 12.20 am on July 5, 2015 after returning home when four gunmen pumped seven bullets into him, including once to his head.
Three men; Faizal Bacchus, 22, a taxi driver of 7 Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, Lennox Roberts of 2279 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo and Kurt Erskine, 35, a welder/seaman of 285 ‘C’ Golden Grove, East Bank Deme-rara are facing a PI at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.
The PI commenced on August 3, 2015 and attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes has been assigned as a special prosecutor.
Reports are that almost all of the witnesses have testified so far but there have been criticisms about the length of time the PI is taking.
This newspaper was told that the matter has been adjourned a few times because of Hughes’ commitment at the High Court.
Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool, before whom the matter is held, informed the accused during one sitting, that Hughes, in a letter, explained that he was unable to make his appearance due to matters at the High Court.
The case was last called on Wednesday May 31 but was put off to June 9 because of the absence of the prosecutor again. It is unclear what happed on June 9th.
On the night of the murder, Ramlall was coming from the washroom into his yard when the men attacked him. They then escaped with his licensed firearm, jewellery and wallet.
Upon seeing the gunmen, he had raised an alarm and called out to his relatives to secure the house as he began to shout, “Bandit! Bandit!”
His brother and neighbours transported his body to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where his death was confirmed.
