Five men were yesterday charged with being involved in the recent armed attack on homes at Black Bush Polder and were refused bail by Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan.

Roy Fraser, called ‘Rambo’, along with his brother Leary Fraser, Radesh Singh, called ‘Youth Man’, Carlton Chaitram, called ‘Rishi’, and Chandradat Nirmal were not required to plead to discharging a loaded firearm and two robbery under arms charges.

It is alleged that the five on March 5 at Lesbeholden, South Black Bush Polder discharged a loaded firearm at Dhanraj Seeram Bishan with intent to maim, disfigure, or disable him and cause actual bodily harm. It is also alleged that while they were armed with guns they robbed Khemraj Seeram of two gold rings and $53,000. They are also accused of robbing Lilowtie Kalyan of $110,000 cash, three gold chains and six pairs of gold earrings.

According to reports, a large gang of heavily-armed bandits stormed Lesbeholden South, Black Bush Polder area last Monday spreading terror and robbing four families. The men reportedly used crowbars and other house-breaking implements to gain entry to the homes. The police said the attacks occurred between 9.15 pm and 9.35 pm. Two persons were hospitalised after the attacks.

Representing the men was attorney-at-law Pamela De Santos who said she was appearing for the men in association with Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos. She asked the court to grant the men bail saying that the offences were all bailable ones; that the men had no previous convictions and they all live in Black Bush Polder. She added that they are all licensed firearm holders and their firearms are inconsistent with those used in the robbery. Counsel continued that none of the men were identified by the victims and that tests for gunpowder were negative.

However, Police prosecutor Maxine Graham asked that bail for the men be refused saying that the offences were serious and prevalent in the society. She added that from her file all the men were positively identified and they all live in the same area and if granted bail may tamper with the witnesses.

De Santos responded that her clients have shotguns and the police claimed that AK-47s were used. “None of the persons robbed identified them,” she added. She stated further that she was informed by her clients that a named police officer pointed them out and told persons what number to call in the ID parade.

The men were all remanded and their case was transferred to the Whim Magistrate’s Court for Thursday.