Ex-cop burnt to death

A RETIRED police officer was burnt to death in Blanchisseuse on Monday night. Dead is Philipine Assam, 58, of Brasso-Seco Trace, Paria Main Road, Blanchisseuse. Police believe Assam’s death was accidental. According to reports, police received a report of fire at an old cocoa house on Brasso-Seco Trace around 9.30 pm. On investigation, the house was found completely engulfed in flames. Fire Services was contacted, and fire was put out, after which the burnt body of Assam was discovered on the ground. Police told Newsday they believe the fire was set by Assam, who may have accidentally knocked down a lamp or candle.

The house, which was constructed mainly of tapia, wood and galvanised, had no electrical or water connection. Investigations revealed that Assam, who used a helper to move about, lived by himself after becoming mentally and physically disabled due to illness. The former cop had lived at the house for two years. DMO Dr Hayden Mohammed visited the scene and ordered the body removed to the Forensic Sciences Centre for autopsy yesterday. Also visiting the scene were ASP Cummings, Insp Koon Koon and Sgt Clarke.

The latter is continuing enquiries. In an unrelated matter, Arima police are investigating the circumstances under which Keith Baboolal of Jit Samaroo Crescent, La Horquetta, collapsed while making a report at the Arima Police Station charge room. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. According to reports, Baboolal entered the station  around 11 pm on Monday, and was making a report of an assault, when he started experiencing chest pains. He was rushed to the Arima Health Facility and was later transferred to the EWMSC where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy performed by Dr Rao at the EWMSC confirmed death due to cardiac arrest. PC Hosein is continuing investigations.