Two men who work as boat operators were beaten and robbed on Thursday on the Essequibo River by three masked men.
Stabroek News was told that the victims, Rasheed Rafeek 27, a speed boat operator of Lot 91 Aurora Village, Essequibo Coast, and Premnauth Sookram, 37, a labourer of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, were hospitalised as a result of the injuries sustained in the attack. The men however, have since been discharged from hospital.
Police Commander of ‘G’ Division, Khali Pareshram, yesterday noted that police in his division are investigating a robbery under arms. He explained that one person was arrested and questioned but was later released.
Stabroek News learnt that the men were attacked while in the vicinity of Balahoo on the Essequibo River. The ordeal occurred sometime around 10.30 pm.
Police investigations have revealed that the men were travelling in a speedboat powered by 40-horse power engine heading to Buck Hall. At approximately, 100 feet away from Buck Hall, the engine cut off and seconds later the boat was invaded by three men.
The men were armed with handguns and a knife. Upon boarding the boat, the men demanded cash and started to beat Rafeek and Sookram.
The perpetrators after brutally beating the men made good their escape on the river. The amount allegedly taken, so far remains unknown.
Police said the victims were rescued by a businessman of Good Hope, Essequibo Coast and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where they received medical attention.
Investigations are continuing.
