Turkeyen Businessman Granted Bail on Illegal Firearm Charge
July 23 2025
Rodney Raghubansee, a 52-year-old timber dealer who was arrested over the weekend for possession of an unlicensed firearm, appeared in court on Tuesday and was granted bail in the sum of $200,000.
Raghubansee, a self-employed businessman of Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm following his arrest on Saturday night.
He denied the allegation and, through his attorney, claimed he had no knowledge of the weapon allegedly found in his possession.
In her bail application, the attorney told the court that her client, who operates an import and export business dealing in items such as logs and stones, is the sole breadwinner of his household and poses no threat to society.
According to the defense, on the night of the incident, Raghubansee was at a bar on Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown, where he was assaulted by a group of men following an exchange of words.
The court heard that during the altercation, Raghubansee had been consuming alcohol. Upon deciding to leave the bar, the men allegedly threatened him, saying, “Watch and see what going to happen to you, you’re not going to get far.”
The attorney further told the court that as her client was heading home, he was stopped by police officers who conducted a search and later took him into custody.
Raghubansee claimed he was unaware of the reason for his arrest until he arrived at the police station, where he was informed that he was being charged in relation to a firearm.
His lawyer emphasized that no fingerprints linked him to the weapon, and that there was no video footage or eyewitness evidence tying him to the offence. She also pointed out that there had been no confrontation with the police.
Highlighting her client’s contributions to society and his willingness to comply with any conditions imposed by the court, the attorney requested that Raghubansee be released on bail.
The prosecution offered no objection, noting that the firearm had been recovered and the investigation is ongoing.
The magistrate granted bail in the sum of $200,000 and ordered Raghubansee to return to court on August 13 as the matter continues.
