A second suspect was charged on Friday over the D’Urban and George streets, Werk-en-Rust arson that resulted in over $200 million in losses in June.
Anthony Vishal Sookhoo, 19, of Lot 101 Leopold Street, George-town, was brought before Magistrate Dylon Bess in a Georgetown court, where he was read three counts of arson and set a total of $1.9 million bail for his release.
Sookhoo was not required to answer to the charges. It is alleged that on June 24, 2021, at Lot 1 George Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously set fire to a dwelling house, valued $18 million, and containing articles valued $6 million, which were property of Collin Bentley. It is also alleged that on June 24, 2021, at Lot 1 George Street, Werk-en-Rust, he unlawfully and maliciously set fire to a dwelling house, valued $38 million, owned by Nalini Baboolall, and containing articles valued $10 million belonging to Kevin Phillips. It is further alleged that on June 24, 2021, at Lot 1 George Street, Werk-en-Rust, he unlawfully and maliciously set fire to a dwelling house, valued $150 million containing articles amounting to $30 million, property of Hardat Maniram.
After bail was set the matter was adjourned until January 13.
Another man, Calvin Lawrence, 22, of Lot 101 Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, previously appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and also charged with the crimes.
According to the police, the fire started around 1 am on June 24. It destroyed a building that housed a vulcanizing shop and the owner’s residence, another house, and damaged the western side of Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop.
