Senior Reporter
Almost two months after a social media video prompted the rescue and a police investigation into an allegation that Sabita Basdeo was falsely imprisoned and suffered abuse during that time, three people have been charged with a series of offences in relation to the case.
In a release yesterday, the T&T Police Service (TTPS) said businesswoman Fareeda Balgobin, 42, her son Joshua Benny, 18, and Rohit Sitahal are expected to appear before the Siparia Magistrates’ Court today on a total of 19 charges, including false imprisonment, kidnapping, throwing a noxious substance and assault.
According to the release, Balgobin was charged with ten offences, including false imprisonment, throwing a noxious substance, two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, choking, kidnapping and three additional related charges.
Benny was charged with five offences, including throwing a noxious substance, two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm, kidnapping and one additional related charge.
Sitahal was charged with four offences, including throwing a noxious substance, two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm and one additional related charge.
According to the TTPS, the charges stemmed from a report that the victim was held against her will and subjected to prolonged abuse during the period June 2019 to April 11.
Basdeo, 42, a mother of two, had reportedly told police that she was forced to perform domestic duties, abused and prevented from leaving the residence.
After seeing Basdeo in a video on social media, members of the public intervened and prompted police intervention.
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro mobilised a team of officers, including members of the Barrackpore Police Station and the Southern Division Task Force on April 11 to locate Basdeo. Searches were carried out at several locations, but she was not found at the time.
Hours later, Balgobin and her son turned up at the Barrackpore Police Station with Basdeo. As officers approached, Basdeo broke free and sought help. She has since been reunited with her husband, two sons and other relatives.
According to the TTPS, PC Lee Lum was assigned to investigate the matter under the supervision and guidance of Senior Superintendent Simon, W/Supt Bridgelal, ASP Chulhan, Insp Ramdial, Insp Nandlal, and Insp Maharaj, with legal advice provided by ASP Phillip. On June 3, instructions were issued by Supt Bridgelal, with assistance from Sgt Bassarath, to lay charges against the accused.
The mother and son were initially held under Preventative Detention Orders in mid-April as investigations into the matter were conducted.
Days later, their Penal home was partially damaged by a fire in what was initially believed to be an arson attack.
