Father critical after fighting off bandits

A Penal father is battling for his life after he courageously fought against cutlass wielding bandits who attacked his family at their Penal home on Monday night. Simon Hanilal, 45, the proprietor of Isabel Bar located under his Penal Quinam Road home, was up to yesterday receiving treatment for multiple chop wounds at the San Fernando General Hospital. His wife Isabel Hanilal was also treated and discharged after suffering minor lacerations.

Reports are that around 9.55 pm, Isabel had just returned home with their three children, 22-year-old Sharlene, 16-year-old Shivan and Shameel 10. As the family exited their car, they were approached by two men armed with cutlasses, who ordered them into their house where Simon and their other son, Stephen, were asleep.

The assailants, then awoke the men and demanded that they surrender all cash and valuables in their possession. Hanilal sent Stephen into the bar for money, however, the boy returned with a cutlass, which he gave to his father. Hanilal and the suspects then engaged in a battle in which he and his wife were chopped about the shoulder, chest and face.

After overcoming their victims, the bandit escaped with an undisclosed amount of loot. Up to yesterday, no one was arrested for the crime. Investigations are continuing.