Latest update September 20th, 2026 10:40 AM
Hotel owner released, DNA samples taken from him and Adriana sent overseas for testing
Kaieteur News- The owner of the Double Day International Hotel, Bhojnauth Bhola, was released from police custody last Sunday after he was arrested 72 hours prior for questioning in relation to the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge.
Younge’s lifeless body was discovered in the hotel’s pool less than 24 hours after she was reported missing by her relatives.
Bhola and several of his staff were arrested last Thursday after the child’s body was found in the hotel’s pool at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.
Owner of the Double Day International Hotel, Bhojnauth Bhola
Despite repeated inquiries by journalists, including questions posed in the police media WhatsApp group, which includes Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) remained silent until yesterday, when a statement was issued indicating that Bhola was released.
The Police Force said that Bhola was released after the statutory detention period had elapsed and was instructed by investigators to report daily to the police station until the outcome of the investigation into the death of the child. Further, the Immigration Department has blacklisted/ prohibited Bhola from leaving the jurisdiction.
The police’s disclosure comes one day after Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said that the GPF must provide clear and timely updates on the investigation.
At a press conference, Jagdeo made it clear that operational updates from the police are not for the politicians to do. “So, I don’t know who they are, I don’t interfere in police negotiations, I think politicians should stay away from police investigations. But this is a question that you should pose to the Commissioner of Police or the PR unit,” he said.
Dead: Adriana Younge
He noted that media houses are part of the police’s official communication channels and urged them to press for answers there, rather than expect political figures to provide operational details. “Why don’t you pose the question in that group, rather than ask a politician to tell you?” Jagdeo asked.
Pressed further on the lack of response from the police PR unit despite multiple requests, Jagdeo acknowledged the gap and called on the Force to improve its public communication. “The PR group must deal with it… the police have their own PR group and they must deal with these matters too and provide timely information… they have to step up on the PR front,” he asserted.
The vice president’s response came amid growing public and media concerns over the handling of the investigation. Bhola, who previously faced a murder charge in 2012, was reportedly taken into custody on the morning of April 24, 2025. His staff was detained the same day after Adriana’s body was recovered. However, nearly a week later, the police remained silent on whether the suspects are still being held or have been released.
DNA sent overseas
A forensic autopsy was conducted on Adriana’s body on Monday, and the tests concluded that she drowned. However, it was stated that toxicology tests are still outstanding to determine the type of water found in Adriana’s system.
Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken
In the update, the Police also disclosed that DNA samples taken from Bhola, along with samples from the body of Adriana Younge, will be sent overseas Thursday evening for testing.
“DNA samples obtained from the said individual and those of Adriana Younge will be escorted this evening by a forensic investigator for advanced testing and analysis at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York,” police said.
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So they took DNA samples from the owner hmmmm what about the guy with the wet pants and discolored hands…Mr Wayne Smith why DNA samples for him ain’t being looked at? Alot is pointed to him but they silent on him why is that?