After being told that the court registry could not locate the case file for the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into a murder charge for which he is serving as special prosecutor, attorney Glenn Hanoman yesterday voiced his concerns over the “strange things” that have occurred in the case.
Neville Chandrawattie is charged with the 2007 murder of gold and diamond dealer Dharam Chanmangra, who was shot and killed during a robbery planned by the defendant.
During what was supposed to be the continuation of the PI, Hanoman yesterday informed the court that in addition to the post-mortem report, which he required for the day’s proceedings, he was informed that the entire case file was missing. He said he had been told earlier this week that the registry was in possession of both the file and the exhibits.
Hanoman expressed great frustration over the proceedings and informed presiding magistrate Judy Latchman that since the commencement of the matter, “strange things” have been happening.
At one point in the case, a magistrate granted the defendant bail. In 2015, Magistrate Allan Wilson granted the defendant his release on $1.575 million bail but later revoked it, while stating that it was an “error.”
Hanoman stated that he has serious concerns about obstacles in relation to the matter.
After recording the lawyer’s concerns, the magistrate adjourned the proceedings until November 10th.
Chandrawattie, called ‘Sunil,’ and others planned and carried out the attack on the El Dorado Trading Company in Port Kaituma on April 21st, 2007, during which Chanmangra was shot in the chest and cash and a quantity of gold were stolen.
In May of this year, Chandrawattie pleaded guilty to committing the robbery, wounding and unlawful possession of a gun and ammunition. He was sentenced to four years each for the first two charges and five years each for the remaining two. The sentences are to run concurrently.
Chandrawattie was identified as the mastermind behind the crime. Police said he packed the 96 ounces of raw gold, valued $22 million, and cash and gave them to an accomplice, who then made good his escape.
