No transport so no appearance in court

South/Central Bureau

TRANSPORTATION problems yesterday prevented mother Malharri Dookhan, 52, and her youngest daughter, Chitrah, 27, from making their second appearance in the Couva Magistrates’ Court.

Dookhan, Chitrah and Devon Cunningham 32, of Fifth Street, Dow Village Settlement, California have been charged with the killing of Chandradaye Bissoon Dookhan, 31, which took place during the early morning hours of September 7.

Chandradaye’s body was found on a bed on the ground floor of the home which the family shared.

The expectation of their appearance caused a massive gathering of curious neighbours, friends and relatives.  The court was packed as many waited in anticipation.

Magistrate Debra Lee Kim asked if they were ready to proceed. Cunningham’s attorney, Martin George, announced he was ready. The magistrate was then told that Dookhan and Chitrah were not present.

With the announcement that Dookhan and Chitrab would not be present, more than half of the persons who had crowded into the court got up and left abruptly. The officer in the court sternly asked the spectators to leave quietly.

 

Taken from: The Trinidad Express -23-09-1997