Good Hope man to face murder charge after wife succumbs to burns

A Good Hope, East Coast Demerara man will be facing a murder charge in the new week, following the death of his common-law wife, who succumbed after being burnt last month when he allegedly threw a kerosene stove on her.

A police source told Stabroek News that the man, Mahesh Persaud, of Lot 2, Railway Embankment, Good Hope, was charged with the attempted murder of Savita Deolall, who was reportedly burnt between October 6 and October 8.

It was explained that Persaud had appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court and was remanded on the attempted murder charge.

According to the police source, Deolall succumbed after Persaud was charged, thereby necessitating the new charge.

Following the woman’s death, the police source said additional investigations were carried out and the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions advised that a murder charge be instituted against Persaud.

Stabroek News was told that Deolall and Persaud were involved in an argument after she had indicated to him that she was going to a religious function hosted by a relative.

He, however, objected and an argument ensued between the two. As a result, the man allegedly threw a lit kerosene stove on Deolall, resolving in severe burns about her body.

Neighbours told Stabroek News that the couple would frequently engage in quarrels. On the day of the attack, neighbours said they were alerted by the woman’s screams and subsequently helped to take her to the hospital.