THE THREE persons who had allegedly discharged several round of ammunition in the air on Election Day to ward off an angry mob, which had torched several vehicles and attacked a pastor’s home were brought before the courts on charges of illegal firearm and ammunition possession.The mob had allegedly raided the area after reports of an illegal polling station in ‘C’ Field Sophia, was being operated by PPP/C supporters.

Appearing before Sparendaam Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul on Thursday was Narine Khublall and Poonadai Khublall both of Lot 588 Section C, South Turkeyen, along with Bibi Farida Prasad of Lot 589 Section C, South Turkeyen.

The Khuball’s were charged for having a 9mm pistol, along with ammunition in their possession when they were not the holders of firearm licenses on May 11, 2015.

It is futher alleged that on the same day Prasad had in her possession a .32 pistol, along with 24 rounds of matching ammunition when she was not the holder of a firearm license.

However the charges were laid indictable, while Police Prosecutor Lance Corporal David Goodridge requested for the charges to be withdrawn, since they were filed under the wrong section of the Firearm Act.

The Prosecutor requested for new charges to be laid against the trio on May 16, where the Administration of Justice is to be applied, whereby allowing the defendants to plea to the charges.

The defendants were represented by attorneys Priya Manickchand; Anil Nandlall; Moti Singh and Euclin Gomes, who expressed dissatisfaction at the prosecutor’s request to have the charges withdrawn.

According to reports, the PPP/C was using the property belonging to the Khublall’s as command centres for elections on May 11, 2015.

Crowds had stormed and burnt the place that night after rumours spread that the party was using it as an illegal polling stations.

During the riot, several gun shots were discharged from the command center to ward off persons. Vehicle were torched and properties stoned, resulting in millions of dollars in damages.