-deceased thought shooter was ‘joking around’, wife says

A 29-year-old Wakenaam resident who had intervened in an argument, was, on Saturday afternoon, allegedly shot and killed by a co-worker.

Police, in a press release, identified the victim as Rohit Hansraj called “Master” and said the incident occurred at about 14:00hrs at Tiger Creek, Essequibo River.

The suspect, according to the police, is a 35-year-old resident of Alikie, Essequibo River. The suspect and deceased both worked for Toolsie Persaud Logging Company as Operators in the Tiger Creek area.

According to the release, the deceased and two other workers were consuming alcohol when the suspect approached one of the other workers and accused him of “looking” at his wife.

“Rohit Hansraj intervened and managed to get the suspect to return to his cabin. The suspect, shortly after, retuned with a shotgun to the cabin. Hansraj and the suspect became embroiled in an argument during which the suspect discharged a round from the firearm which struck Hansraj to his upper left shoulder area”, the release added.

The suspect then escaped into some nearby bushes with the said firearm.

The police were subsequently informed and, upon arrival at scene, the body of the deceased was seen laying face-up, clad in a blue trouser and grey jersey. The body was examined and a gaping wound was seen to the upper left shoulder.

The body was escorted to the Bartica Hospital where an official pronouncement of death was given by a doctor. The body is presently at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

“Police ranks in the Division are on the look-out for the suspect as investigations continue,” the release said.

Meanwhile, Hansraj’s reputed wife, Sheenza Williams, who is pregnant and had witnessed the incident, is still in shock.

The woman told the Guyana Chronicle that she was in the cabin when the suspect rushed up to her husband and reportedly pointed the gun at him. She said her husband thought it was a “joke” and kept telling the suspect to put the gun down.

“I saw the point on his shoulders. I screamed and he shot him on his left shoulder and he dropped to the ground. I couldn’t believe it. My husband and him are good but we all thought it was a joke,” Williams said.

She said that initially her husband opted not to drink the “High wine” but later decided to take “a shot” in celebration of a co-worker’s birthday. She said that during the “drinking session” the suspect was threatening that he would “chop all of them up.”

“We thought it was a joke, but then things got serious and my husband was shot,” Williams added. She said she then made a call to the police station and they visited and saw her husband on the ground.

Further, Hansraj’s sister Rema told this publication that they received a call from Williams informing them of the tragedy.

“We are all shocked and we want answers. My brother was a father of two and his wife is currently pregnant. He was working to make his living,” the woman said.