Latest update April 1st, 2025 5:37 PM
Sharma saga… State changes prosecutor, preliminary inquiry yet to commence
The preliminary inquiry in the witness tampering case against embattled television station owner, Chandra Narine Sharma, and five of his associates, was yesterday again adjourned after the prosecution stated that a new prosecutor has been appointed to the case.
The matter is before Magistrate Geeta Chandan Edmond, at the Georgetown Magistrates Court.
Sharma, his son-in-law Ravi Mangar, Tyrone Ali, Mark Reid, Raywattie Ramsaywack and Doodnauth were all charged with obstruction of justice. The court was told that Special Prosecutor Sanjeev Datadin was now prosecuting the case.
Chandra Narine Sharma yesterday at court
Datadin told the court that he was only informed Sunday that he would be prosecuting the matter, and as such he needed time to prepare his case.
Attorney at law Vic Puran asked the court to dismiss the matter against Sharma, due to the fact that the prosecution was unable to commence the PI. His sentiments were joined by Attorney at law Nigel Hughes.
Hughes in his address to the court said that the impression the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali Hack, gave to the court when the matter started was that she was ready to commence.
Hughes further told the court that after two months, Sharma and his five associates were charged, the prosecution is yet to commence the case.
He said that the Prosecution waited until the Magistrate threatened to dismiss the case, to secure a state prosecutor.
The lawyer opined that the police prosecutor on Friday should have indicated to the court, that they might have been a change in prosecutors.
Ravi Mangar and Mark Reid are represented by Attorney at law Mark Waldron who renewed his old application to have the matter dismissed for want of prosecution.
The Magistrate subsequently granted the adjournment. The matter is expected to be called up on Friday.
Meanwhile, in the afternoon, Sharma made another court appearance before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell, as the preliminary inquiry for the carnal knowledge continues. First to give evidence was the 13-year-old virtual complainant. The matter is being heard in camera.
The state is being represented by Senior Counsel Doodnauth Singh.
Sharma is being represented by attorneys at law Nigel Hughes, Vic Puran, Mark Waldron and Tanya Warren. After the matter was adjourned, lawyers for Sharma said that they could not divulge any information about the case. The matter continues today.
Meanwhile, Sharma yesterday told reporters that he was becoming very frustrated. He said that his health continues to deteriorate, but he still makes the effort to attend court.
The television station owner said that the DPP was so “ready” to prosecute the matter…and to date nothing has happened.
Sharma further said that his doctors had advised him that he needs to relax because his heartbeat continues to increase.
The man explained that doctors have given his lawyers a synopsis of his condition. Sharma also said that he might have to do a minor surgery, but could not specify whether it would be done locally or aboard.
Sharma is currently on $2M bail for the carnal knowledge charge. He and his five associates are all on a $100,000 bail which was granted by Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson.
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