POLICE and relatives are trying to retrieve the body of Khemraj Dass called “Lakeram” 47, of Lot 16 Bella Dam, Klein Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, who was lashed to the head and stabbed to the body and thrown overboard on Saturday night while on a tug. The incident occurred aboard a tug that was moored alongside a wharf at Friendship, East Bank Demerara.
Police said that initial investigations revealed that Khemraj Dass along with the suspect and the suspect’s father were aboard the tug which was travelling to a timber grant at Yaruni, Demerara River, but had moored owing to the tide.
It was at about midnight on Saturday night when the suspect’s father awoke and made checks for the others during which he was allegedly informed by the suspect that he had struck Khemraj Dass to his head and stabbed him during an argument and that he had thrown the body overboard.
The suspect has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations. The body of the victim has not been recovered as yet, up to press time.
Meanwhile, at the man’s residence, at Lot 16 Bella Dam, Klein Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, his cousin, with whom he was residing, Gaitree Baghan told the media that she last saw her relative alive around 4:30 pm when his boss, Ganesh (only name given) showed up to collect him.
She added that he had just finished helping her with some household chores and told her that he would be back soon and left home in company of his boss for work.
Baghan stated that Dass had previously made three trips with lumber on the tug and only learnt of his demise when a reporter showed up early at her home and informed her.
She added that he only moved to her home a week ago after he left his sister’s place, located a short distance away and was described as a willing, loving and promising young man, who was childless and unmarried.
Baghan told the media that her suspicions were aroused when an elderly man came to her home and told her to report to Grove Police Station, East Bank Demerara yesterday morning stating that she will know what happened after she enquired what for.
The woman added that Dass is survived by three brothers and five sisters, with whom were left unattended since both their parents passed away some years ago and he used to reside at Laluni, Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
Baghan stated that up to now she is unaware what sparked such an argument which cost her relative his life since he was not intoxicated when he left home for work.
Yesterday she and other relatives had a lot of unanswered questions since they were not very privy to information as it relates to the death of their loved one.