A CORONER’S inquest into the death of 70-year-old Chanderjit Sanichar, called “Canter”, who was killed in an accident on the Better Hope Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), is expected to commence on November 23.

An inquest is a judicial inquiry in common law jurisdictions, and is held to determine the cause of a person’s death. In Guyana, a sitting magistrate, who acts as the coroner, empanels a jury, after which the inquest is conducted.

Magistrate Alisha George will preside over the inquest at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court, with a five-member jury to determine whether Police Cadet Officer James Tappin is criminally responsible for Sanichar’s death.

A total of six witnesses are expected to be called.

On June 23, 2013, Sanichar, a fish vendor, was allegedly struck down by Tappin’s motorcar along the Better Hope Public Road. Tappin was later charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

On the night of the accident, there were no eyewitnesses, and the reported point of impact, the location of the pedestrian crossing and where the victim’s body was removed from, posed some challenges for investigators.