Sharma witness tampering PIs for start on March 23

The preliminary inquiries (PIs) into the witness tampering charges against Chandra Narine Sharma, Tyrone Ali, Doodnauth Sharma and Raywattie Ramsawack are set to begin on March 23.

After four consecutive adjournments without progress, defence attorneys Mark Waldron and Vic Puran along with state-appointed prosecutor Sanjeev Datadin told the court that they were ready to proceed with the matters yesterday.

Chandra Narine Sharma

Magistrate Geeta Chandan Edmond, who is presiding over the matters, subsequently granted the adjournment to March 23. She acknowledged that there have been a number of setbacks in the progression of the matters and expressed the desire to have them move apace.

It is alleged that the men knowingly attempted to obstruct the course of justice by removing two of the girls at the centre of sex abuse allegations against Chandra Narine Sharma from their known address, in order to prevent them from being questioned by police.

Meanwhile, the PI into the charge against Ravi Mangar and Mark Reid of attempting to pervert the course of justice continued yesterday before the Magistrate. Witness Tariq Henry testified.

The charge against the men stemmed from the carnal knowledge case in which Chandra Narine Sharma was charged. Sharma is also charged with attempting to obstruct the course of justice.