By Leroy Smith

DETECTIVES in ‘C’ Division will today ascertain if the injuries which were found on the body of a Cummings Lodge man are consistent with that of a hit-and-run accident or if foul play is involved.

The body of Hemchand Dalchand, also known as “Rakesh” or “Rakesha,” was found in a pool of blood on the East Coast carriageway in the vicinity of Oleander Gardens, just after midnight on Saturday. “Rakesh” was reportedly last seen at a BBQ at the Ogle Community Centre Ground where he and other friends had gone earlier on Saturday night.

The friends, when interviewed by the Guyana Chronicle, indicated that they indeed went to the event together but after spending sometime “Rakesh,” who was seen conversing with a male could not be found. They did not become alarmed, because according to his friends, that is how the young man operates, he would run off with male company for hours and days before resurfacing. At the time of his disappearance, he was out celebrating the birth anniversary of an older female friend who lives in the same yard with him.
The Guyana Chronicle was told by police detectives that the initial examination of the young man’s body suggested that his injures might have been inflicted by an object, but it is a post-mortem which would have to confirm that.

After the discovery of the body, the police searched the area for clues that might help them in their investigations, since the young man was found shirtless and without shoes. His haversack which he left home with was also nowhere to be found. However, when the Guyana Chronicle visited the scene on Sunday and combed the area, a pair of green and black slippers along with a torn white vest, were found on the seawall nearby. A friend from the yard where the dead man lived confirmed that the slippers is identical to one which he owns, and had lent to Hemchand just moments before he left his home to accompany them to the centre ground. However, the red haversack and green jersey which the young man was wearing could not be found at the crime scene.
The police were informed of the discovery of the slippers and the vest and they arrived at the scene and removed same from the location.

VERY HELPFUL
In the yard where Hemchand lived with his mother, there were approximately 15 other families who are living in make-shift shacks and for which they are paying a rental. Most of the persons in the compound spoke highly of the now dead man and recalled how helpful he was, as they could have called on him at any point for assistance with anything they wish to have done. On Saturday while preparing to celebrate the birthday anniversary with his older female friend, “Rakesh” reportedly prepared most of the items for the meals which were cooked for those who lived in the yard.
Added to that, he is reported to have washed dishes and cleaned up the yard, jobs which were considered his last significant contribution to the environment which he lived. On Sunday his biological relatives were not willing to speak with the media pertaining to the incident.