GEORGETOWN, Guyana – An Assistant at the Lands and Surveys Commission was fatally shot and another man seriously injured during a robbery at a wedding house in Canal Number 2 Polder, West Bank Demerara on the night of December 31, 2023.
Natram ‘Vishal’ Persaud, a 40-year-old assistant at the Lands and Survey Department, was shot in the back of his head by one of the three bandits who invaded the wedding house. The gunmen also robbed 57-year-old farmer Manipaul ‘Anand’ Rambarhak of his gold hand band, which was valued at GY$250,000. Rambarhak sustained a gunshot wound to his stomach.
According to the Guyana Police Force, the suspects fled the scene after the robbery, leaving Persaud fatally injured. Rambarhak underwent emergency surgery and remained in critical condition at the Woodlands Hospital.
During the incident, approximately 60 people were in attendance at the wedding celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Samsundar. Investigators found three .45mm spent shells at the scene and noted the presence of several CCTV cameras affixed to the building where the wedding function was held.
The police are reviewing the CCTV footage to aid in their investigation, as they work to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The community has been left in shock and mourning over the senseless violence that occurred on what should have been a joyous occasion.
The loss of Natram ‘Vishal’ Persaud has deeply impacted his colleagues at the Lands and Surveys Commission, who remember him as a dedicated and hardworking member of their team. The police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in their efforts to solve the case and ensure the safety of the community.