Policemen charged for beating, locking taxi driver in restaurant toilet

An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) along with a Corporal were on Tuesday charged and released on $20,000 for assaulting a taxi driver and wrongfully restraining him.

ASP Mehindra Singh, 32, of Pike Street, Kitty was charged for wrongfully restraining Perry Barker on August 15, 2018 at the Coin Restaurant Bar and Pool Hall, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara and preventing him from leaving.

Singh denied the allegation while his attorney, Bernard DaSliva made an application for bail. He was released on $20,000.

Corporal Christopher Dharamraj, 30, was charged for unlawfully assaulting Barker on the same day and location.

Dharamraj pleaded not guilty to the charge; he was also represented by attorney DaSliva.

DaSliva told the court that there is evidence that his clients acted in self-defence.

The Chief Magistrate released Dharamraj on $20,000 bail and adjourned both matters until September 24.

According to the facts presented in court, the two Policemen are partners in the operation of the said Coin Restaurant and Pool Hall, which is located at the 3G Mall, Diamond Housing Scheme.

It is alleged that on the day in question, Barker entered the Bar and had an altercation with the two officers.

Corporal Dharamraj allegedly dealt Barker several cuffs and kicks about his body while ASP Singh pushed him into a toilet and locked him inside.

Barker managed to escape and reported the matter to the Police and both cops were arrested.