Probe still ongoing into deadly Mahaica accident – Top Cop

The investigation into the deadly Mahaica four-vehicle accident is ongoing, Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie told the News Room on Thursday. Christopher Bhagwandat, 20, and his 16-year-old girlfriend Shereeda Persaud were killed in the accident on February 02.

The young couple was in motorcar PNN 8852 when Bhagwandat was stopped by traffic ranks along the Perseverance Public Road, Mahaicony, Region Five. Bhagwandat was asked to pull over by the ranks but instead drove away.

As a result, a police patrol van gave chase behind the young man and his girlfriend, resulting in the horrific accident.

When questioned on Thursday as to why the young couple was stopped by the police, the Top Cop responded: “I just don’t want to prejudge but that is why I asked for a thorough investigation to be conducted and all of those issues will be highlighted and come out in the investigation.”

The Top Cop was further questioned about if any protocols were breached during the pursuit of the young couple to which he responded: “That would come out in the investigation.”

Several other persons were also injured in the accident including three police officers.
Persaud of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice was a student of the Bush Lot Secondary School and was registered to write 11 subjects at this year’s CSEC exams.

The teen’s death has devastated her entire family and community; she was the only daughter for her parents.

The young woman was the Minister of Home Affairs during the 2021 Youth Parliament. Her presentation at the Youth Parliament was on road safety where she pleaded with road users to follow the law.

Meanwhile, Bhagwandat was the only child for his mother, and five months before he died, she also lost her husband.

Bhagwandat of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara left his home on the morning of the accident but did not say where he was going.

His mother said he told her he was going to give her a surprise.

Bhagwandat worked at Vicky’s Auto Mechanic workshop.