Lethem businessman reportedly beaten by army men

Last Updated on Monday, 13 April 2015, 0:51 by GxMedia

By Janelle Persaud 

A trader in Lethem is hospitalised after he was allegedly beaten by a group of persons believed to be members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) stationed in the border community.

The man, identified as Melvin Shewprasad, says he is himself a former member of the defence force. Demwaves understands that the incident stemmed from an argument allegedly with the Location Commander (LC) at a popular night spot in Tabatinga about 1 AM Sunday.

Efforts to contact senior GDF and Police officers proved futile.

Shewprasad, from his hospital bed, told this news site that the LC is an acquaintance who earlier asked for a loan, which he could not give. Later, at “Marlon’s Night Club’, the injured man related that the commander got ‘disrespectful’ during a conversation, which he believes was as a result of his inability to meet the request for a loan. During a consequential argument, the businessman claims the LC hit him to the head with a ‘Guinness bottle’, after which he lost consciousness.

Reports indicate that two women came to his assistance and opted to take him to the Lethem Public Hospital despite him having regained consciousness. En route, he informed that what appeared to be army vehicle approached and several disembarking men, one of whom was identified by name began to deal him blows about the body. The ‘kicks and cuffs’ ended only after one of the women, created a human shield. She related that there were a about 8 suspected ‘soldiers’.

Shewprasad says he is unable to see with one of his eyes and is experiencing severe head aches. An X-ray was conducted today, Sunday, the findings of which he had not at the time he spoke to Demwaves learnt.