Cops probe farmer’s murder

A 55-year-old farmer was chopped to death during a robbery at his Arouca garden on Saturday afternoon. According to reports, around 4.20 pm, Anand Ramdass, of Boundary Road, Aranguez, was found murdered at Paw Paw Drive, Orange Grove Road (South), Arouca. Police said that Ramdass left home early yesterday morning to go to his garden. Relatives became worried when he did not return home in the afternoon and after several calls to his cell phone went unanswered. 

His brother-in-law, Gregory Pooran later went to the garden where he found him lying face down in a field in his underwear. Ramdass had several chop wounds to his arms and neck. Police said that his body had several other visible marks of violence which indicate that he may have been beaten by the robbers before he was killed. His wallet, jewelery, cell phone and his Toyota Hilux van were missing. 

He was pronounced dead on the scene by District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr Gopaul, who ordered his body removed to the Forensic Science Centre in St James. A post-mortem is to be conducted today. The murder toll now stands at 84, as compared to 61 for the corresponding period last year. According to statistics from the Police Service’s Crime and Problem Analysis Branch (CAPA) there were 377 murders in 2012. 

Superintendent Baldeo Nanan and detectives of the Region Two Homicide Bureau are probing Ramdass’ murder.