Fugitive driver nabbed, charged over teen’s death

Asif Khan, the driver who was on the run for almost a month after he allegedly struck three youths, killing one of them, has been caught and charged.

Khan was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared in a city court on three separate charges, including causing death by dangerous driving.

It is alleged that on December 20, 2014, at Providence Public Road, East Bank Demerara, Asif Khan, of Lot 25 Bagotstown, Georgetown, drove motor vehicle PRR 5555 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of 18-year-old Parmanand Deokaran.

Asif Khan
Asif Khan
Parmanand Deokaran
Parmanand Deokaran5

On the same day, it is alleged that Khan drove the same vehicle and an accident occurred, causing injuries to Deokaran, Davendra Mangal, 20, and Kayshawn Ramnarine, 17, and he failed to render assistance to them by taking them to a medical practitioner. In addition, on the same day also, Khan is alleged to have failed to report the accident to a police officer.

Khan pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court One.

The court heard that on the day in question, at about 12am, Khan was heading south along the East Bank Public road just when he lost control of his vehicle in the vicinity of the Princess Hotel and made contact with the three youths. They were pitched into a nearby trench, after which they were picked up and taken to a hospital. However, Deokaran was pronounced dead on arrival while his companions were admitted and treated.

“My worship, I asking you if you can give me a reasonable bail,” the unrepresented man begged the court.

But Police Prosecutor Michael Grant objected to bail based on the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence. Grant added that the defendant was on the run after the accident and there is a likelihood if bail is granted that he may not return to court.

Bail was refused and the case was adjourned to January 23.