Duo for trial over murdering 5 fishermen during piracy attack

(Photos- Premnauth Persaud; Nakool Manohar)

Premnauth Persaud, 47, also known as ‘Sand Bat,’ who is said to be the ringleader of the 2018 piracy attack off Suriname, will go on trial next week for the murder of four fishermen. He was arraigned on Monday before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Berbice.

It is alleged that between April 14, 2018, and June 3, 2018, he murdered Mahesh Sarjoo called “Kuba” or “Vishal”, and Tilaknauth Mohabir called “Camion” or “Kaimon”, “Pollom” or “Palam” and “Cold Record”, on board the vessel, Romina SK 764 that was under attack during piracy.

He faced another charge which alleged that between the aforementioned dates, he murdered Bandara called “Spanish man” or “Dora”, Lalta Sumair called “Bora” or “Puduck” and Lokesh De Couite, on board the vessel, Joshua SK 1418, that was under attack during piracy.

Persaud pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Meanwhile, Nakool Manohar called “Fyah”, 43, of Number 43 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was indicted on charges which alleged that between the said dates, he counselled, procured and commanded Persaud and others unknown to commit murder while committing piracy. He also denied the charges.

The charges were laid contrary to the Hijacking and Piracy Act. Justice Singh will commence hearing evidence in the case next week Monday. The case is being prosecuted by Special Prosecutor Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat and State Counsel Nafeeza Baig.

Reports stated that the piracy attack was in retaliation for the murder of Manohar’s brother, Somnauth Manohar, who was gunned down in neighbouring Suriname.

According to reports, the decomposed bodies of the fishermen were discovered in Surinamese waters during various searches. Given the state of decomposition, the Police had to order Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing to properly identify the bodies.