Latest update February 24th, 2025 9:02 AM
Release of child killer sends the wrong signal – Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is among the recent bodies to express disappointment at the decision of former President Donald Ramotar to pardon convicted child killer, Ravindra Deo.
Vishnu Bhim
Deo was convicted for the murder of eight- year-old Vishnu Bhim and was serving a life sentence.
In a recent statement, the organisation, which is headed by People Progressive Party, Civic, PPP/C candidate, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said that the pardoning and subsequent release of a child killer sends the wrong signal to those who have committed or are inclined to commit such acts.
“In Guyana, violence against children is still prevalent and too often we read in the media about unspeakable acts being committed against our innocent little ones…Indeed, the Sabha is of the firm view that the most severe punishments should be meted out to those who inflict harm on children,” the statement outlined.
The body also reaffirmed its commitment to work towards the eradication of violence against children.
At present, the Sabha provides a safe haven for child victims through Bal Nivas, a shelter for children at Ankerville, Berbice.
Through Bal Nivas, the Sabha has been collaborating with the Child Protection Agency to have children placed in the shelter, schooled and later, where appropriate, reintegrated with their families.
“We encourage everyone to respect, love, cherish and, most importantly, protect our children,” the Hindu organisation said in the release.
Last Saturday, Deo, a convicted child killer walked out of the Georgetown Prisons, courtesy of a Presidential pardon from the former, Head of State
Deo, 39, was just 19 years old, when he kidnapped, abused and murdered eight-year-old Vishnu Bhim, the only child for his parents from the Annandale Community, East Coast Demerara, on November 29, 1994.
The young child was making his way home from school at Annandale, East Coast Demerara.
The killer had reportedly demanded a $1M ransom. Prior to the kidnapping, the suspect had allegedly gone to the child’s home and had asked the victim’s father, Heeralall Bhim, for a job in his carpentry shop.
He was arrested a few days later in America Street, and on December 1, 1994, he led detectives and villagers to La Bonne Intention, backdam, where they found the eight-year-old boy’s bound, gagged and battered body.
Deo was sentenced to be hanged but an ex-parte injunction was filed to prevent his execution. The sentence was commuted to life in prison. He was serving that sentence when he was pardoned by the outgoing President.
Since the pardoning, several persons, including the child’s parents, have expressed dismay at the former President’s decision. But Ramotar has since defended his position.
In a recent interview, the former President explained that the pardon had been within his Presidential rights. He said, too, that he believed 21 years was already a long time to be incarcerated.
“The man spent more than half of his life in prison,” Ramotar added. When further questioned on why he had specifically chosen Deo for pardon, he simply said that the man’s case had been the only one he knew about.
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