Story by RHONDOR DOWLAT-ROSTANT
A relative has been detained for questioning into the circumstances surrounding the death of fruit and vegetable vendor, 34-year-old Amar Hardeen, who was shot dead at his stall at Madras Junction in Cunupia on Thursday morning.
According to a police report, at about 8:05 am, Sgt Basant and a team of officers from the Central Division Task Force responded to a report of a shooting at a fruit stall, where they found Hardeen (also known as Vinnie) dead. He was shot multiple times about the body.
Police said they were told that seconds before the shooting, a vehicle pulled up alongside the stall and a man alighted and shot Hardeen several times before escaping in the same vehicle.
Hardeen lived at Madras Extension Cunupia and was described as a "hardworking young man" by residents in the area.
However, police said he was a "well-known offender" but not disclose exactly what lines of criminality he was known for.
A close friend who wished not to be identified, said since the decriminalisation of marijuana, Hardeen had started growing and harvesting marijuana trees.
"He was a kind, fun-loving guy but we don't know why he was killed," the friend told Guardian Media.
Police said a 20-year-old man, a "close associate" of Hardeen, subsequently was arrested after a preliminary investigation was conducted at the scene of the crime.
Police said they found on the suspect, and seized, a loaded pistol with a magazine.
The weapon, police said, will be sent for ballistics testing.
Investigations continue.