Cops launch internal probe into treatment of handyman who succumbed after fatal beating
The Guyana Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating if ranks at the Sparendaam Police Station were negligent in their treatment of Industry handyman Hitram Ramchand, who succumbed to injuries from a fatal beating after being held in custody for an extended period without treatment.
A well-placed source confirmed the investigation to Stabroek News. A rank who was in-charge of the police station at the time has since been reassigned to another Division to facilitate the probe.
Ramchand’s family had accused the police of bearing some responsibility for his death since he was placed in the police lock-up without medical attention.
Ramchand, a resident of Lot 51 Industry Crown Dam, succumbed to his injuries on October 1, just over a day and a half after he was allegedly beaten by a gang of men. The beating had occurred while he was returning home from a wake.
A post-mortem examination had revealed that he died as a result of a brain haemorrhaging due to multiple blunt trauma.
Ramchand was reportedly attacked by a group of six men, and he was struck mostly to the head. He succumbed to his injuries around 7 pm on October 1 at the Georgetown Public Hospital, while receiving medical attention.
A source had told this newspaper that the attack stemmed from a gambling row.
Kumar Jettoo, a lumberyard manager; Robin Ramlogan, 26, a mechanic; Patrick Gobin, 38, a carpenter; and Avikar Suraj, 24, a welder, have since been charged with murdering Ramchand.