OPR probing death of man in lock-ups 

The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating the death of Suyjit Ramotar, the rice farmer of Letter Kenny Village, Corentyne, Berbice who died on Saturday while in custody at the Whim Police Station.

A statement from Police Headquarters noted that Ramotar was taken into Police custody on Wednesday, pending an investigation into the murder of Corentyne welder, Joshua Hardatt.

Police said Hardatt was informed that he was charged with the offence of murder on Saturday at about 09:45 hrs. He was also told that he was required to appear at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (May 28). The charge was also read to him.

By 16:55 hrs Saturday, however, the ranks on duty went to the lock-ups to visit prisoners and found Ramotar dead. He was reportedly hanging by his neck after seemingly tying a piece of his jersey to the southern grill of the lock-ups.

A crime scene technician arrived soon after and processed the scene. Compression marks from the jersey were observed around the man’s neck. Ramotar was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The body is at the medical facility awaiting a post-mortem examination while the OPR investigation continues.