THE second in command of the Guyana Police Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police Balram Persaud, was up to late yesterday a patient in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.Persaud who a few years ago underwent a heart surgery was reportedly rushed to the health facility on Saturday following a misunderstanding with a family member but was discharged. However yesterday morning the senior police officer was again rushed to the health facility, this time in a more serious condition and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the police on Saturday received a report of a development at the home of the senior police officer which had the potential to get out of hand.
The police responded and Persaud and another relative were invited to the police station where they each made a report pertaining to the incident but so far no statements were taken in relation to the matter.
Sources close to the senior police officer have confirmed reports that Persaud is alert and responding to relatives and friends who have paid him visits, which are being monitored by doctors.
Persaud has been serving the Guyana Police Force for many years and in many capacities, including divisional commander of at least two police divisions. He served in the Police ‘C’ and ‘D’ Divisions.
While serving as the ‘C’ Division Commander he was hospitalised with a heart problem and after returning to work he was then posted to ‘D’ Division where he has been credited with being one of the most effective commanders within that division, bringing crime and other unlawful activities under control.
Assistance Commissioner of Police Balram Persaud is at present serving as the Assistant Commissioner of Police for the force’s administration. He was removed as the Commander of ‘D’ Division after his driver reportedly shot and killed a drug rehabilitation counselor a few years back while he was performing chauffeur duties for the then commander. Ironically, the policeman who was a sergeant at the time and was charged for murder was recently freed by the High Court.