15 murder trials start New Year in PoS

The Criminal Assizes in Port-of-Spain will start the new year with 50 cases listed in four of the six criminal courts for the month of January 2006. Of those cases, 15 murder trials involving 21 persons, including two women, are expected to go on. One of those trials may involve housewife Seeromani Maraj-Naraynsingh who is charged, with Elton Ramasir, with the 1994 murder of Dr Chandra Naraynsingh, the former estranged wife of Seeromani’s present husband, surgeon Prof Vijay Naraynsingh. 

The other woman listed for trial is Alisha Marsha Chunu, who is charged with murder of businessman Menon Hingoo. The Maraj-Naraynsingh and Chunu matters are listed for today. Maraj-Naraynsingh’s matter was initially listed for San Fernando Assizes, but Director of Public Prosecutions Geoffrey Henderson has indicated his intention by letter to transfer the matter to the Port-of-Spain Assizes. There are also eight drug matters involving 16 persons listed for trial, while six persons will have to defend themselves against charges of a sexual nature. There are four cases of robberies with aggravation involving nine persons, one case of robbery with violence, two cases of kidnapping, two cases of larceny of motor vehicles, four wounding with intent and other cases of shooting with intent, attempted murder, forgery and corruption in public office.