A horrifying incident unfolded early Friday morning in the Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown, leaving residents shaken and two individuals severely injured. The wife of a Superbet outlet owner and a patron fell victim to a vicious assault by a gang of cutlass-wielding youths, highlighting growing concerns about violent crime in the area.
The attack occurred around 7:30 AM when the Superbet outlet, located in the bustling community, was preparing to open for the day’s business. Eyewitnesses report that a group of young men, armed with cutlasses, stormed the premises in what appeared to be a premeditated attack.
The primary victims of this brutal assault were identified as 42-year-old Nalini Lall, wife of the Superbet outlet owner, and 38-year-old Vidyanand Narine, a regular patron of the establishment. Both suffered severe chop wounds during the incident.
According to police reports, Mrs. Lall sustained deep lacerations to her head and left hand, while Mr. Narine received multiple chop wounds to his back and right hand. The severity of their injuries necessitated immediate medical attention, and both victims were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for emergency treatment.
Investigators at the scene uncovered a trail of blood leading from the Superbet outlet to a nearby alleyway, suggesting a possible escape route used by the assailants. Crime scene technicians have collected several pieces of evidence, including CCTV footage from neighboring buildings, which may prove crucial in identifying the perpetrators.
Community members, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed their shock and outrage at the brazen nature of the attack. Many pointed to an apparent increase in youth gang activity in the area, calling for increased police patrols and community intervention programs.
Commander of Region 4A, Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean, addressed the media shortly after the incident, stating, “We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness. Our team is working diligently to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.”
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with investigators exploring multiple angles, including possible extortion attempts or retaliation for a previous incident. The Guyana Police Force has appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects.
This violent incident has reignited discussions about the safety of small business owners and the need for enhanced security measures in vulnerable communities. Local business associations are calling for an urgent meeting with law enforcement officials to address these growing concerns.
As the investigation continues, the Castello Housing Scheme community remains on edge, with many residents expressing fear for their safety. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing law enforcement in combating violent crime and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address youth violence in Guyana.
Authorities have assured the public that all available resources are being utilized to bring the perpetrators to justice and to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the community rallies around the victims and their families, offering support and calling for swift action to restore a sense of security to their neighborhood.
