The watermelon farmers who were held in connection with the murder of the 16-year-old schoolboy at the Number 63 Beach last Sunday have been released following an identification parade on Friday.

Vivian Singh Balrup

Police had received information that Vivian Singh Balrup of Reliance, East Canje was in the company of a female friend, Susan Hernandez, 15, when he reportedly picked a watermelon from a farm and shared it with her.

There were reports that an irate farmer had attacked the couple, causing four melon farmers who occupy spots close to the beach to be taken into custody.

Police sources told this newspaper that the men were released after the 72-hour period of incarceration had elapsed and after they were not picked out in an ID parade.

As such, no charges would be laid against them.

The police are looking at another theory which may have led to the attack but said so far no further information has been forthcoming.

Balrup sustained several hits to the back of his head which left a gaping wound that bled profusely while Susan sustained gashes on her forehead and other areas.

They were rushed to the emergency unit of the New Amsterdam Hospital and Hernandez was treated and sent away but Balrup succumbed while arrangements were being made to transfer him to the Georgetown Hospital.

In a release, police had said that Balrup and Hernandez – who left to go to the beach in the company of two male friends – were attacked by a man armed with a length of bamboo who dealt lashes to both students and escaped.