Final accused in 2008 bicycle murder freed

Murder accused Parsram Lalchand called ‘Desmond’, who was on retrial for the murder of Niranjan (only name) in 2008 was yesterday found not guilty.

Lalchand was before Justice Franklyn Holder and a 12-member jury.

The accused was charged along with four others, Babzie Singh called ‘Solex’ and his three sons, Satesh Singh, Vishal Singh, and Vishnu Singh with the murder of Niranjan on July 29, 2008 following a row over a stolen bicycle. Satesh was found not guilty in March last year while the jury was split on Lalchand’s guilt and he was remanded to prison to await a retrial.

Parsram Lalchand
Parsram Lalchand

However, Vishal, Vishnu and Babzie Singh were sentenced to 15 years in prison after they pleaded guilty to manslaughter, while another co-accused, Akash Singh, was freed after the prosecution withdrew the murder charge against him.

The defence had presented one witness, Babzie Singh, who had told the court that he and his three sons were the ones who had beaten Niranjan. He added that Lalchand was present after an argument ensued over a bicycle that was found at his home, but when the fight started, Lalchand was at home with his wife.

The accused was represented by attorney Hukumchand, while prosecutors Dhanika Singh and Mercedes Thompson appeared for the state.