Police are currently investigating the murder of 54-year-old housewife Bibi Salima Persaud, who lived at Lot 193 Ivan Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. The suspect in the case is 38-year-old mechanic Dinesh Ram, also known as ‘Paul,’ who has been hospitalized after reportedly ingesting a poisonous substance.
Fazil Mohamed, the son of the deceased, told the Sunday Stabroek that his mother never spoke about being abused although she and Ram would frequently get into arguments.
Another family member, who wished to remain anonymous, also confirmed that no one was aware of any abuse, describing the news as “very shocking.” Mohamed added that his mother and Ram had been living together for about four years.
On the night of the incident, Mohamed said he and his brother arrived home around midnight. They live just east of where their mother resided. While taking a shower, he heard a scream and asked his brother to check. That’s when Ram was found in a nearby pond, he was seen frothing at the mouth. Mohamed then raised an alarm and instructed his brother to check on their mother, only to find her lifeless body lying in a pool of blood inside their home. The police were immediately called.
The eldest son of Persaud, who wished to remain anonymous, said that his mother had recently acquired land. He said that he was unaware of the circumstances surrounding her relationship as he had just moved back to Guyana from Venezuela.
According to the police report, Persaud and Ram were in a common-law relationship and there had been frequent heated arguments. Ram often accused Persaud of being unfaithful because she was frequently on her phone, though they would usually reconcile after their disputes. Ram was taken under police guard to the Diamond Regional Hospital for treatment.
The victim was found face up with visible wounds on her forehead, mouth, left wrist, right hand, neck and face. A kitchen knife covered in what appeared to be blood was on the floor, and a bottle of suspected pesticide was found near the house’s door.
Statements are being collected.
