Amid open crying by relatives, Magistrate Krishendat Persaud further remanded to prison the men accused of robbing four families at Lesbeholden South, Black Bush Polder when they appeared before him at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Relatives of the five accused, Roy and Leary Fraser, Carlton Chaitram, Chandradat Nirmal and Radesh Singh, who were charged with discharging a loaded firearm and robbery under arms converged in the court compound for the 1 pm session and shouted loudly that the men are innocent and are being held wrongfully.
It is alleged that the five, on March 5, at the said location, discharged a loaded firearm at Dhanraj Seeram Bishan with intent to maim, disfigure, or disable him and cause actual bodily harm. They are also accused, being armed with guns, of robbing Khemraj Seeram of two gold rings and $53,000 and of robbing Lilowtie Kalyan of $110,00, three gold chains and six pairs of gold earrings.
According to reports, a large gang of heavily-armed bandits stormed into the area on March 5, last and robbed four families. The men reportedly used crowbars and other house-breaking implements to gain entry to the homes. Police said the attacks occurred between 9.15 pm and 9.35 pm and two persons were hospitalised after the attacks.
Police Prosecutor Superintendent Davis asked that bail be refused on the grounds that the men are currently being investigated in relation to other matters. Defence counsel Pamela Da Santos argued that her clients are innocent and that they should be granted bail.
The men were ordered to appear at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court on March 28. The number one and two defendants, Roy and Leary Fraser, are also facing charges of attempted murder, while the other three accused, will have their bail petitions reviewed.
