A near-$2 million property linked to the alleged false imprisonment and assault of a Barrackpore domestic worker was damaged by fire on Wednesday morning.
Fire and police officers suspect the blaze was deliberately set, possibly by means of a Molotov cocktail thrown through a bedroom window of the residence on Deosaran Trace in San Francique in Penal.
Neighbours observed fire and smoke emanating from the three-bedroom concrete house shortly after 6 a.m. and contacted the authorities. Fire officers responded and contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading and saving a significant portion of the residence, estimated at $1.98 million.
However, the interior of the premises was gutted, and fire and police officers were at the scene carrying out investigations when the Express visited the scene yesterday morning.
A resident of the community, who declined to give his name, said he observed smoke sometime after 6 a.m.
“I just walked outside and saw the smoke. It was surprising because I didn’t hear any noises or anything. Other people (residents) came out and someone called the fire station,” recalled the resident.
Officers of the Penal Fire Station and Penal Police Station responded, and investigations are continuing.
‘BEATEN, BURNED’: Sabita Basdeo
The property is linked to the case of Sabita Basdeo, 42, a mother of two and domestic worker, who has reported that she was beaten, her head banged against a wall, burnt, and kept against her will by the residents of a house in Penal. Basdeo was taken for medical treatment for bruises on her body and face, and other marks of discolouration.
A 38-year-old woman and her 17-year-old son who are suspected of holding her captive and allegedly assaulting her were arrested by police officers on Saturday and are expected to face multiple charges. Yesterday both remained in police custody.
Basdeo’s husband and one of her two sons said they wanted her to return to them at their home on Ramlal Road, off Platinite Trace in Barrackpore.
Investigators have interviewed Basdeo about the allegations and are expected to seek legal instructions soon on whether or not to lay charges against the suspects.
