$800,000 bail for men on rape charge

The accused men are Zaid Alladin, Ajay Balgobin and brothers Andy and Bradley Edwards, all of Platanique Trace off Rochard Road in Barrackpore.

They first appeared in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday afternoon when a magistrate remanded them into police custody and transferred the matter to the Siparia Magistrates’ Court. To be called yesterday.

But yesterday none of the accused appeared at the Siparia Magistrates’ Court because of a “go-slow” by prison officers who have withheld their services. In fact, all persons who were remanded into police custody, and had to reappear yesterday, were not brought to court.

As such Magistrate Armina Deonarinesingh, who presides over the First Court, adjourned cases in absentia.

The charge against the accused alleged that on January 23, they had sexual intercourse with a female without her consent at a house in Barrackpore.

PC Matloo and WPC Woods, both of the Barrackpore Police Station, laid the charges.

They are expected to appear in the Siparia Court on February 24.