…after magistrate fulfils directions of DPP

Marcus Bisram was, on Monday, committed to stand trial at the High Court for the alleged murder of Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt, back in November 2016.

The 27-year-old father of two was beaten to death and had his murder staged as a hit-and-run accident in November 2016. Monday’s ruling comes on the heels of the direction given by the Director of Public Prosecutions on Monday March 30, after Bisram was freed of the murder charge when the Magistrate upheld a no-case submission by his attorneys.

The DPP, in a statement on Monday last, stated that there was sufficient evidence for Magistrate Renita Singh to have committed Bisram. “The DPP, in compliance with the law, requested the court documents from the Magistrate and, having been satisfied that there was enough evidence contained therein for him to have been committed, redirected the magistrate to re-open the Preliminary Inquiry”.

However, On April 2, the magistrate re-opened the case but adjourned the matter to seek further guidance on the order from the DPP. Having been satisfied with the DPP’s instructions on Monday, Magistrate Singh committed Bisram to face trial. “I am clear with the instructions now and I shall follow these instructions. Marcus, you are hereby committed to stand trial in the High Court at the next practical sitting…” Magistrate Singh said.

The defence team for Bisram, led by Attorney-at-law Sanjeev Datadin, sought to persuade the court for a stay of order and despite his lengthy submissions, the magistrate reiterated that the only direction she had was that from the DPP, and the ruling to commit stands.
Meanwhile, Datadin told the media they have advanced to the High Court to have the orders quashed since he argued that it was unlawful. Datadin explained that they are seeking to have the first letter that was sent to the magistrate to have the matter reopened thrown out in the High Court as well as the second letter that gave directions to commit their client.

He stated that affidavits have been filed in the High Court to stop the proceedings; however, due to the DPP’s office being closed and the protocols in place for COVID-19, they were unable to get same done prior to Monday’s hearing. Bisram was extradited from the United States of America on November 1, 2019 and, hours later, was charged with murder. He is accused of orchestrating the murder of Narinedatt, whose body was found around 03:30hrs on Tuesday, November 01, 2016, on the Number 70 Public Road, East Corentyne, Berbice. His death was initially reported to be the result of a hit-and-run accident. It was later reported that Bisram allegedly made sexual advances to Narinedatt who objected. Five other persons were charged and are currently on remand.