Stewartville Labourer Charged with Murder of 15-Y-O Stepson

October 9 2025

A 49-year-old labourer from Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, has been charged with the murder of his teenage stepson, whose death has shocked the quiet community.

Balram Bessessar, called “Navin”, was arrested on October 3, 2025, and charged four days later with the murder of 15-year-old Sudesh Singh, also known as “Joel.”

Bessessar appeared before Magistrate Singh at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him.

He was not required to plead and was subsequently remanded to prison.

The case has been adjourned to October 10, 2025.

According to reports, the fatal incident occurred after a seemingly trivial dispute — a bicycle chain slipping — escalated into a deadly attack.

Relatives and neighbours described Bessessar as abusive, impatient, and frequently angry. It is alleged that during an argument, he attacked the teenager with a cutlass, inflicting fatal injuries to the boy’s neck.

The tragic event has left residents of Stewartville deeply disturbed, as many say the young victim was quiet and respectful.