The body of a 65-year-old pensioner was yesterday found on the Coldingen Embankment Road, East Coast Demerara with a chop wound to the back of his head.
Roger Manikam, of Non Pareil, also on the East Coast Demerara, was discovered near to a drain some five corners from his house after leaving his home around 8 pm on Saturday.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum yesterday stated that the incident was being treated as a murder and one person is in custody.
Manikam’s daughter, Nalini Manikam, related to Stabroek News yesterday “We last saw him (Saturday) night around 7:30 or 8 pm. I’m not too sure because he was in his room and we were in our room and he didn’t tell us he was going anywhere or anything,” adding that it was only yesterday morning they had discovered that he had not returned.
She said that after she and her sister went into the man’s room to enquire whether he wanted breakfast they noticed that he was missing. “We call his friends after that and nobody didn’t see him and that is when we get the call about the body and I go and see him,” she said, stating that she was able to identify him from his clothes.
She said she was unaware if he had any problems with anyone but he was in a relationship with a 20 year old woman that she described as toxic. “They would always be arguing because of her and other people and is only last week he put her out,” Nalini explained, stating that prior to the man leaving his house on Saturday night he received a call from her.
“I am not accusing anyone of anything but when we call she, she said that she was in Moruca for like 6 days but that is not true because is not too long that he put she out. She also said that she hasn’t talked to him since she move out but they talk every night,” Nalini stated.
She also said that Manikam had left the house with $100,000. “He don’t usually leave his money home and it’s not in his room or anything so they must’ve taken it,” she added, stating that the money was not found on his body.
Neighbours who gathered yesterday at the man’s house expressed their disbelief at the death. “He never used to do anybody anything or so you know, that man was a good, good man and always quiet in he corner,” a neighbour told Stabroek News.
Stabroek News learnt that the man’s body was wrapped in a garbage bag and it seemed as if someone had attempted to dispose of it.
