Hope man charged with abducting ex-girlfriend

A young labourer of Hope, East Coast Demerara, was yesterday charged with abducting his ex-girlfriend.

Mark Bhikhari, 22, was released on $350,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court One, which heard that he forced the woman into a car.

The charge against Bhikhari is that on June 6, at Georgetown, by force, he compelled Vashti Sookdeo to go from Water Street, Kingston into motor car HC 1851. He pleaded not guilty to the charge of abduction.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru said Sookdeo was on her way to work when Bhikhari, who was a passenger in the car, saw her and asked the driver to stop.

The court heard that Bhikhari exited the vehicle, approached the woman and demanded that she go with him to the K&VC Hotel by forcing her into the car. The taxi driver subsequently contacted the police, who eventually arrested the man.

The court was told that the two parties had been together for three years.

The prosecution had no objections to the accused being granted bail but requested that conditions be attached.

He was ordered to report to Constable Elexey at Police Headquarters every Friday.

Attorney George Thomas, who represented Bhikhari, assured the court that his client will comply with the court’s order and emphasised that he will have nothing to do with Sookdeo.

Bhikhari was then placed on bail and was ordered to return to court on July 4 for statements.