Relatives of acid bath victim plead for justice

May 31, 2010 News

Relatives of Shazaad Shaeed, who was doused with a corrosive substance some 16 days ago have expressed frustration at the pace at which police are conducting their investigations.
Shaeed was allegedly disfigured by an acquaintance of a neighbour who continuously torments his family.
He received extensive burns to his back, chest and face and is in danger of losing his sight.
One of his relatives told Kaieteur News that police had detained a suspect but then released him on $50,000 station bail, even though Shaeed’s condition is still severe.
“They released this man knowing that Shazaad’s condition is still touch and go said the relative. The relative further told Kaieteur News that the police are still looking for two other persons, who allegedly orchestrated the attack.

The badly burnt man yesterday at the hospital.

The woman said that the commander at the Mahaica Police Station continues to tell her that the file is with the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
But the relative fears that the matter is being swept under the carpet.
“We are pleading with the police to arrest the person or persons responsible for the attack” the relative said.
When this newspaper visited Shaeed at the hospital yesterday he was still in severe pain and had a fever.
He expressed fear that the burns have become infected. The man also complained that no police rank attempted to take additional statements from him or to check on his condition.
“It’s not fair for me to be in the hospital like this….and the culprits are walking free” Shaeed said fighting back tears.
“I want them to find and prosecute these people that did this to me….they must go to jail” Shaeed said.
Kaieteur News was unable to reach any police official yesterday to solicit a comment about the case.
Recounting the attack, Shaeed said he was at home when he heard someone calling out for him.
According to the victim, the person identified himself and claimed that Shaeed’s sister had sent him with a parcel.
He said he went to the veranda and saw the man alone.
Shaeed said that he walked outside into the yard and was heading to the person when he noticed another man looking suspicious.
The injured man said his first thought was that he was going to be robbed and he tried to dash back into his house.
But before he could retreat, someone threw a corrosive substance into his face.
The man began screaming hysterically and shouted for his wife who was upstairs.
He was rushed to the Georgetown Hospital where he was admitted. (Latoya Giles)