ALMOST one month after allegedly beating her six-year-old daughter unconscious before dumping her body in a nearby swamp, Drupattie Balkarran called “Natasha” made her first appearance at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court. Balkarran of Lot 43 Goed Bananen Land, East Canje, was not required to plead to the attempted murder charge which was read to her by Magistrate Renita Singh. It is alleged that Balkarran, on December 13 last year, attempted to murder Jenita Ramsarran. Police Prosecutor, Pravan Sayhu, objected to bail. He stated that the child is still traumatised and that the accused has a history of physically abusing her.

He told the court that the accused may want to tamper with witnesses, who are her neighbours. The prosecutor pointed out that the woman had reportedly confessed to committing the crime. In light of that, he suggested bail should not be granted. Magistrate Singh later granted Balkarran $300,000 bail and ordered that she stay 100 feet away from the child and have no contact with her. The matter was adjourned to January 27 and transferred to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court. The child’s father, Steve Ramsarran, told reporters at the court that while “little Shania” is recovering, the memories of that dreadful day is still fresh in her mind.

He said a computed tomography (CT) scan done on December 22 last, revealed that her skull is fractured. He explained it may take 6 to twelve weeks for the injury to heal. On the day in question, the child was discovered in an unconscious state in a swamp about 500 feet away from her home. The discovery was made sometime after the accused had reported her missing. The police, in a statement, disclosed that the child’s parents were separated some time ago and the father was given visitation rights to see her every Sunday. Around 8:00 hours on the day in question, the father contacted the mother and made arrangements to collect her. The mother stated that she prepared the child and left her playing in the yard.

The grandmother had recalled last seeing her granddaughter around 11:30 hours. However, about 12:30 hours when the grandfather made checks for the child, he did not find her. As a result a search party was formed. Neighbours and relatives combed the area. The child was eventually discovered by her grandfather, Satkar Balkaran, 63, who was part of the search party. A piece of wood was found next to the child’s battered body. During interrogation, the mother allegedly admitted to investigators that she beat and dumped the child after she “dirtied” her clothes.