A close male relative and a neighbour have been charged with the murder of Freeport teenager Vinood Harrilal who was found tied to a coconut tree last week. Police believe Harrilal's killing was linked to a dispute over stolen drugs. Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard yesterday gave instructions to charge the relative and one of the victim's neighbour.
The men were charged by Cpl Henry Smith and are expected to appear before a Couva magistrate on Monday. Homicide investigators Sgt Anil Maharaj and WCpl Josine Johnson spearheaded the inquiry into Harrilal's murder. They detained eight suspects in the killing. However, earlier this week six of them were released. Harrilal, 19, a doubles vendor, was found dead last week Thursday tied to a coconut tree near his home on Calcutta Road No 2, Freeport.
A cow was also bound to the rope that was wrapped around Harrilal. The teen was last seen alive last week Wednesday and would usually tend to his uncle's cows. An autopsy performed on Harrilal's body concluded that he died from strangulation. A piece of black cord was tied around his neck.
