‘Uncle Pappi’ found guilty of raping 11-year-old girl

A Berbice High Court jury has convicted a man for the rape of a girl when she was just 11.

According to information received, Chandralall Lakraj, called ‘Uncle Pappi’ was convicted of engaging in sexual penetration with the minor between September 1 and October 9, 2019.

He was also convicted of engaging in sexual penetration with her between the aforementioned dates and causing her to touch his penis.

Following his arraignment before Justice Brassington Reynolds last week, Lakraj, who was represented by defence counsel Chandra Sohan, had pleaded not guilty to both charges.

He, however, was found unanimously guilty on all two counts on Monday by the jurors. A sentencing hearing for the convicted child rapist is set for September 13.

Big Smith News understands that during the periods mentioned in the charges, Lakraj had the girl “stroke” his penis. He had also inserted his fingers into her vagina.

The minor had confided in her teacher about what happened which led to the Police arresting Lakraj.

Meanwhile, in his defence, the man had denied raping the girl, claiming that it could not have happened as he was away in neighbouring Suriname working.

State Counsel Nafeeza Baig appeared on behalf of the prosecution.