Police to probe death of prisoner

Homicide officers have been called in to investigate the death of a 56-year-old prisoner who reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained from a beating at the Port-of-Spain prison on June 1. Rafeek Habib, of  Perseverance Village, Chaguanas, was charged by Cpl Ruby Villafana of the Chaguanas CID for the rape of a child on May 30. When he appeared before a Chaguanas magistrate, Habib was remanded into custody. Reports revealed that on June 1, Habib was reportedly beaten in the prison cell. He complained to prison authorities about feeling unwell and was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he was treated.  He died two days later.

Newsday learnt that an autopsy was  carried out only on Tuesday by Dr Eastlyn Mcdonald Borris at the Forensic Science Centre. Homicide officers were called in to investigate and a party of officers led by Sgts Johnny Abraham, Ragoonanan and acting Cpl Lucas carried out investigations. Yesterday, acting Prisons Commissioner Carlos Mchoney confirmed Habib’s death, but said he could not divulge any information on the matter.