Tewarie hails slain cousin ‘a gentle soul’

Maharaj was stabbed to death in his home at Arena Road, near Tewarie Trace North Extension, Freeport, on Monday afternoon.

A relative who went to drop off food for Maharaj, a grandfather of six, made the gruesome discovery. Relatives had reported that Maharaj suffered a stroke about three years ago followed by a heart attack and was a frail man.

It is believed the killer broke into the house and stabbed the old man to death.

Addressing mourners who, for the most part listened in shocked silence as the funeral service at the family home progressed, Tewarie recalled he had spoken about health issues, as well as how to control diabetes, with Maharaj almost two weeks ago.

“He was a gentle soul, not someone who was engaged in evil acts and was not known for mischief in the community but he was stabbed to death and I don’t know how people can live with themselves after this,” he said.

Tewarie then asked for prayers for the family as they dealt with Maharaj’s violent death.

He also noted the community had to be vigilant and “look out for each other” as Maharaj’s killer had not yet been arrested by the police.

“I ask the community to be vigilant and be there for each other, we have to learn to care again and ensure that things like this do not happen again,” he said.

Maharaj was cremated at the Waterloo Cremation Site at Waterloo under Hindu rites