Two arrested, three wanted over attempted murder of father, son on Essequibo Coast

Police have arrested two men and issued wanted bulletins for three others, including businessman Andra Parag, in connection with the attempted murder of a father and son who were beaten at their home on the Essequibo Coast during the Phagwah holiday.

The victims, Raagendra Sooragpaul and his father, Sookedeo, of Anna Regina, were attacked on March 14 by three men after Raagendra returned home around 1:20 pm, police said in a statement. The men, reportedly looking for Raagendra’s brother, turned violent and assaulted the Sooragpauls with kicks, punches and a baseball bat.

Both men were treated at Suddie Public Hospital. Sookedeo later travelled to the United States, where doctors found he had suffered multiple broken ribs.

Detectives arrested 33-year-old Jose Bristol of Georgetown, who confessed to participating in the attack. He told investigators he was hired by Parag, a businessman, and was promised GYD 1 million for the job. He alleged Parag ordered the beating on behalf of another businessman, Junior Baksh, over an unpaid debt of more than GYD 40 million.

Bristol said he received GYD 500,000 as part payment and named two accomplices, Jermaine Adams and Rayfield London. He also alleged Parag fled to Venezuela.

Police later arrested 38-year-old Kevin Dey, a motor vehicle importer from Lamaha Gardens and brother of social media comedian Bradley “Doggy” Sampson. Dey is also alleged to have acted as an enforcer for Parag.

Wanted bulletins have been issued for Parag, Adams and London, police said.

The two arrested suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.