Parika Prisoner died from epileptic seizure – PME

[www.inewsguyana.com] – A Post Mortem Examination (PME) performed on the body of Zaharudeen Rozan of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara revealed that he died from blunt trauma to the head, brain haemorrhage and hypertension.

The father of three was in police custody at the Parika Police Station when he died on the way to the Leonora Hospital while in police custody on February 25, 2015.

A police media release noted that the PME was conducted by Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, who explained that the man’s injuries were consistent with an epileptic seizure.

“There were also bite marks on his tongue,” the police noted. According to the Force, the cause of death was explained by Dr. Singh to the Lawyer retained by relatives.

Assistant Police Commissioner and Commander of the ‘D’ Division, Marlon Chapman told iNews during an interview on Friday, February 27 that his detectives are working closely with the Police Office of Professional Responsibility in investigating the death.

The Commander explained that Rozan behaved in an erratic manner while in custody.

“Our initial investigation is that while he was being taken into custody, he was behaving in a funny way, meaning hitting himself along the walls of the lockups and it was drawn to the attention of the police by the prisoners,” Chapman told iNews.

He further noted that there were approximately six prisoners who witnessed the incident; they have since given statements to the police. The Commander has given his assurance to the family of Rozan and members of the public that a “thorough investigation” will be conducted into his death.

“I want them to understand as well that there will be no form of any cover up, there is nothing to cover up in the first place; the investigation will be thoroughly done and they can have that assurance from me as the Divisional Commander.”

Rozan lived alone and was arrested for the offence of damage to property.