THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) has noted with grave concern the death of Mr. Asif Rahim following an alleged beating while in custody at the Leonora Police Station, West Coast Demerara. His shocking death has plunged his family into profound grief, leaving four children and a mother without a father and a breadwinner.

In a press release yesterday, the IAC said it would be difficult to fathom the tremendous challenges Mr. Rahim’s wife and his four children would now endure following his tragic demise.

In addition to the death of Mr. Rahim, the IAC is also concerned with the impropriety perpetrated against Ms. Seerojanie Singh allegedly by Magistrate Alex Moore during the hearing of a case at the Sparendaam Court. Ms. Singh made known publicly the indignity she allegedly suffered during that case hearing.

The IAC forthrightly condemns these acts allegedly perpetrated by those who are supposed to protect against such actions. It therefore becomes worrisome when those tasked with such responsibility would allegedly indulge in such inhumane behaviour. This can only lead to an intensification of the erosion of trust in some who are charged with the responsibility to protect and serve.

The IAC feels compelled to question whether these acts were deliberately intended to target Indians. While the IAC would shudder in disbelief if that were the case, these acts must not be allowed to go unnoticed. The organisation therefore calls on the relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in determining the truth. Moreso, the IAC urges swift and thorough investigations into these horrific incidents.

The IAC remains adamant that the right to due process by every citizen must be observed by those entrusted with such responsibility and calls on civil society to emphasise same.

The IAC would like to take this opportunity to express deepest condolences to the late Mr. Rahim’s family in this time of grief.