Dhanraj trial adjourned to Monday

No evidence was taken yesterday in the Dhanraj Singh murder trial; instead there were some legal arguments.

When hearing resumes on Monday, the defence will put its case before the court. This means that Dhanraj may or may not elect to testify. Dhanraj, a former Government Minister, is before Justice Paula Mae Weekes and a jury of 12, in the Port-of-Spain Second Criminal Court, charged with the murder of Hansraj Sumairsingh. Dhanraj is alleged to have hired two Muslimeen hitmen to murder Sumairsingh, chairman of the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation, on December 30, 1999. Elliot Hypolite, who was initially charged with the murder of Sumairsingh, turned State witness after being granted immunity from prosecution. Dhanraj is being defended by Karl Hudson-Phillips QC, Ravi Rajcoomar, Prakash Ramadhar and Jennifer Hudson-Phillips. Sir Timothy Cassel QC, Assistant DPP Devan Rampersad and prosecutors Angelica Teelucksingh and Cheron Raphael are representing the State.