Penal trio charged with murder

Just over a week after the battered body of 40-year-old mason Jairam Boodhan was discovered at his Penal home, three men appeared in court yesterday charged with his murder. The three men, Vishram Ramdeen, 21, Shalim Mohammed, 19, and David Bajnath, 23, all from the Penal area appeared before Magistrate  Luncina Ragoonan Cardinez in the Siparia First Court.

Cpl Trevor Bernard prosecuted. The three were charged by Sgt Roland Gay. The murder is alleged to have occurred sometime between December 26 and 27. Boodhan’s body was discovered at his Mathura Avenue, Charlo Villlage, Penal home on December 27. He is believed to have beaten with a piece of wood on his head while drinking alcohol with others. The three, who seemed at times unable to understand the Magistrate, were unrepresented. Ramdeen raised his hand to ask permission to speak, but the Magistrate stopped him saying, “I don’t want to hear anything in relation to this matter. I don’t know if you understand, but the charge has been laid indictably.”

Ramdeen and the two co-accused looked at her and shook their heads indicating they did not understand. She explained bail was not allowed for murder and they could not enter a plea, but could seek legal representation. Again, a puzzled look came over their faces. She then explained their respective families could obtain lawyers and if they could not afford lawyers, then they could apply for legal aid. Several relatives of the accused were present in court. As the men were being led away, a relative tried to approach one of the accused men. He was told to take a seat by the police. The three men are to re-appear in court on January 12.