La Grange detainee died of hanging – post-mortem

Mahendra Seenarine, of Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara, was found hanging in the lockups at La Grange Police Station on Tuesday.

He had been arrested and placed in custody following response by the police to a report by neighbours that he had assaulted his wife who had managed to escape, and was physically abusing his six-years-old stepson who had to be rescued by neighbours.

Following investigations so far, a well-placed source attached to the Office of Professional Responsibilities (OPR) disclosed that nothing incriminating was found against the police regarding the death of the prisoner.

He revealed that the story the man’s wife and relatives are claiming otherwise is a “propped up” one.

The well-placed source said that investigations revealed that Seenarine was in the habit of beating his wife and stepson and the matter was reported to the police by a concerned neighbour.

He explained that prisoners in all lockups are checked on every hour by ranks manning the respective stations, and prisoners are placed in a cell with only the clothing they have on.

The source added that Seenarine had previously threatened to end his life.

The Guyana Police Force , through the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), said Seenarine was arrested by police ranks and placed in the lockups at about 18:45h Tuesday night, following response to a report made by his neighbours that he had assaulted his wife.

The release added that during one of the routine checks of the lockups Tuesday night, he was found hanging by his pants and tee shirt which were tied together from the door of the lockups. No marks of violence were on the body.

Seenarine was the sole breadwinner of his household, and leaves behind his wife and three children.

Saturday, February 14, 2009