MP robbed during birthday prayers

Police sources said that Padarath held a three-night Ramayan (Hindu prayers) at which he invited Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, family and friends to attend and pray with him. Newsday understands that for the three nights of the prayers, a policeman was hired on extra duty to provide security.

However, at 11.30 pm, 15 minutes after the policeman left when his allotted extra duty time had elapsed, a gunman entered the house and announced a hold-up. At the time of the robbery, Persad-Bissessar had already left.

Padarath and about 20 others, who at the time were deep in prayer, were relieved of personal valuables including cash, cellular phones and jewelry. When the bandit ran off, a report was made to the Couva Police Station.

The robbery put an end to the prayer service. Up to press time, no arrest was made and investigations are continuing.