Prisoner commits suicide at Mahdia lockups, probe launched

The Police Office of Professional Responsibility has launched an investigation into the death of a prisoner, who committed suicide while in police custody on Wednesday.

The dead man has been identified as Shameer Khan, 53, of 111 Miles, Mahdia, Region 8.

Khan was found dangling in a cell at around 15.40 pm, a statement issued by the Guyana Police Force on Thursday said. “Enquiries disclosed, the deceased was arrested and charged for Simple Larceny and fined $40,000 or an alternative of eighteen months imprisonment. He was unable to pay the fine and was placed in custody,” the statement said.

As a result, it noted that the OPR is investigating purported breaches of the Standard Operating Procedures regarding custody of prisoners.

The body is presently at Mahdia hospital mortuary awaiting post-mortem examination.