‘Basha’ charged with murder of Wakenaam logger

Seon Russell known as ‘Basha’ was on Tuesday charged with the murder of Rohit Hansraj when he appeared before Magistrate Crystal Lambert at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

Russell, 35, was not required to plea to the charge and was remanded to prison until July 14, 2022.

Russell is accused of the May 29 fatal shooting of 29-year-old Hansraj known as ‘Master’, a logger of Wakenaam. Police had reported that the incident occurred at Tiger Creek along the Essequibo River.

It is alleged that Hansraj was shot after he intervened in an argument between the Russell and another logger.

According to the police report, Hansraj and other workers, employed with Toolsie Persaud Logging Company, were imbibing when the Russell approached one of the workers and accused him of looking at his wife.

Police said Hansraj intervened and managed to get Russell to return to his cabin.

Shortly after, Russell returned with a shotgun and an argument ensued during which Hansraj was shot to his left shoulder.

Hansraj was taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.