Homicide detectives are probing the death of Fyzabad businessman Robin Khalu whose charred remains were found at Charlie King Junction, Fyzabad, on Monday afternoon.Seventy-four years ago Corporal Charlie King was burnt to death at the junction-now named after him.Khalu's death has left family members baffled. Police said it could be a case of suicide but have not ruled out foul play.Khalu, 69, a father and grandfather of one, lived at Charlie King Junction with his extended family.The remains were found by his mother, Drupatie Khalu, 85, and wife Dulsie, 63.
Drupatie said shortly after 5 pm she was in her kitchen when she heard a loud shout coming from the western side of the house.She said she immediately went to Dulsie to inquire about what happened.She added: "Everyone was home at the time and I heard the shout, which sounded like Robin, so Dulsie and I went to look for him."When we looked at the gate to the entrance of the compound, we saw his body on the ground, leaning on the gate and burnt up," Drupatie added.Police said no part of the house was damaged except for the paint on the wall and gate.
At the scene of the incident, the sole of Khalu's shoe remained stuck to the ground.A tearful Dulsie said Khalu and her shared a blissful marriage of 20 years, which produced one child."He was a very good husband to me," she cried. "We were home all day and he did not indicate he was having any problems. Everything was normal," Dulsie said.Khalu was a well known businessman from the area who once operated the now defunct Khalu's Store opposite the OWTU Building, Fyzabad. He was also the owner of several properties around south Trinidad.Charlie King was drenched with kerosene and burnt to death during protest action led by Tubal Uriah "Buz" Butler in 1937.