AS the police continue their investigation into the murder of rice farmer Parmanand Lakeram called “Bachan,” a suspect remains in custody but continues to deny any involvement in the crime.

The man identified as “Chunik,” turned himself over to the police on Friday afternoon, hours after the bullet-riddled body of Lakeram was found in a sitting position by the side of his vehicle in the Number 68 Village backlands. The police have since recovered a motorcycle which belonged to the deceased and which was reportedly stolen; it was found farther into the backlands. The motorcycle was believed to have been the same one used in the commission of the crime and sleuths are dusting for fingerprints and other evidence to confirm this.

The Guyana Chronicle has been reliably informed that the deceased was accused of being involved in cattle-rustling. Sources revealed that at the time of his demise he was in the process of loading two stolen cows into his bus when he heard the motor bike approaching. As he went to investigate he directed his two workers to hide in the bushes, but he was greeted by gunshots, which caused him to retreat. While running away he reportedly shouted out to his workers to “run! Run boy run! Chunik just shot me!” the source revealed.

After a few moments, the assailant left and Lakeram’s workers went to check on him. They found him sitting motionless against the wheel of his bus GGG 9281 with several gunshot wounds about his body, including two in the head. The men reportedly walked the one-mile distance to the public road and apprised Lakeram’s brother of what had occurred. The police arrived shortly after and the body was removed and taken to the Skeldon Hospital where a doctor pronounced him dead; the workers were taken into custody and are assisting with the investigation. Chunick reportedly turned himself in at the Springlands Police Station after he learnt that he was wanted by the police. He, along with the two workers, remain in custody as the investigation continues.