Tuschen man charged with causing death of Leonora businessman, fleeing scene

Chapil Dave Kumar
Chapil Dave Kumar

Zameer Ali, the driver who surrendered to the police less than a day after he allegedly struck down and killed businessman Chapil Dave Kumar along Uitvlugt Public Road, West Coast Demerara was yesterday charged with seven traffic related offences, three of which he admitted to and was remanded to prison.

Ali, 25, a resident of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo appeared before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon.

He was not required to plead to the charge which stated that on September 20 at Uitvlugt Public Road, WCD, he drove motor car, PKK 7495, in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Kumar.

Additionally, Ali is accused of driving an unlicensed motor vehicle, driving an uninsured motor vehicle, driving a tinted motor vehicle, failing to stop after an accident, failing to render assistance and failing to report the accident.

While he pleaded guilty to the first three charges, he denied the others.

The matter was adjourned to October 9.

Ali surrendered to the police at the Leonora Police Station on Saturday, shortly after the motor car was discovered hidden at Tuschen, EBE.

Stabroek News was previously informed that at the time of the discovery, the car was reportedly covered and hidden behind two trailers.

The licence plates were also removed.  A section of the windscreen was shattered and other damage was visible to the front of the vehicle.

The car is registered in the name of a Parika, East Bank Essequibo resident.

Kumar, 23, a businessman of Lot 5 Leonora Bush Wire, West Coast Demerara, lost his life last Thursday night after he was struck down while attempting to cross the Uitvlugt Public Road.

He sustained severe injuries about his body and his right foot was also severed. He was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The accident occurred around 10.30 pm.

An autopsy performed on Kumar’s remains yesterday revealed that he died as a result of multiple injuries.

Traffic Chief Linden Isles had previously told this newspaper that the police investigation had revealed that Kumar was standing on the southern side of the public road, waiting to cross, when he was struck down by the car.

Kumar was dragged a significant distance before the car came to a halt. The driver subsequently fled the scene.

Govinda Persaud, the dead man’s uncle had explained that based on what he was told, Kumar, his wife and one of his nephews had gone to a Chinese restaurant on the public road for food. They were returning home when the accident occurred. Persaud said Kumar’s wife and nephew had already crossed the road and he was about to join them when he was struck.