As the probe into the disappearance of Rohan Mangra, the US-based Guyanese who was found in a city hotel days after he was reported missing widens, investigators have arrested his sister and brother-in-law.
Stabroek News was reliably informed that the investigation took a twist after Mangra reportedly told detectives that he contacted his sister and brother-in-law on two occasions via telephone and told them he was okay and was with his friends.
However, despite this, Stabroek News was told that Mangra’s brother-in-law went ahead and report him missing to the police and claimed that he had received a photograph of Mangra with his mouth duct-taped.
The relatives are likely to be charged with providing the police with false information.
Mangra remained in police custody up to yesterday afternoon as the investigation continues.
Twenty-nine-year-old Mangra went missing on March 15 and his family later offered a $1M reward for information on his whereabouts.
Last Saturday, ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) Major Crimes Unit, acting on intelligence gathered, found him at a hotel on Hadfield Street, Georgetown.
“Mangra, when questioned by investigators revealed that he was not abducted and he went to the hotel of his own free will. He is currently assisting the police with their investigation. The probe is ongoing,” the police had said in a statement.
The statement explained that relatives provided the police with a photograph of Mangra showing his mouth covered with duct tape which they said was sent to them via WhatsApp from an unknown person.
Immediately, ranks from the Major Crimes Unit, were assigned to the investigation and several of Mangra’s associates were arrested and questioned by the ranks. It was during the questioning they gathered valuable intelligence that led to him being located.
Mangra, also known as ‘Paul,’ of Lot 98 UG Road, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, was last seen on March 15 when he left home around 8.05 pm.
He was reportedly picked up by a car in front of a printery located at the corner of UG Road and Sixth Street, Cummings Lodge. Since then, he had not returned home and calls to his phone indicated that it was turned off.
Reports are that it was unusual for Mangra to leave home and not return without informing his family. It is unclear whether the individual/s who picked him up in the car has/have been identified.
Stabroek News understands that Mangra was scheduled to return to the US some time ago but extended his stay.
