BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOUR men are in custody assisting police with their investigations into last night’s (Dec. 14) shooting death of an Indian national in Taylor’s Range.
Dead is Govind Mirchandani, a resident of Taylor’s Range who was employed at a store on Fort Street, Basseterre called Big Sale.
According to a police press release, after receiving an anonymous tip, the Joint Forces launched a manhunt last night which resulted in four persons being taken into custody for questioning into the shooting death of Mirchandani.
“Investigations to this point have revealed that this shooting was predicated by a robbery. Four persons of interest have been taken into custody and are assisting with the investigation,” the release reads.
It also states that Assistant Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley is asking the business community to contact his office at 465-2241 and request a copy of measures that could be used to reduce the chances of their businesses being robbed.
It further states that Queeley is urging the general public to report any suspicious activity or information concerning this crime by dialing 911.
The public is also urged to call the new Crime Stoppers number (1-800-8477) with information about any other crime. Callers can do so anonymously and will be eligible for a Crime Stoppers’ reward.
“The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force wishes to advise the business community that there are special operations in place to deal specifically with any person or persons attempting to prey on businesses this holiday season. Commissioner Walwyn has strongly stated that ‘this reprehensible and regrettable incident must not be allowed to be repeated,” the release added.
According to the Commissioner, “the Security Forces will mobilise all resources necessary to ensure the safety and security of our people, our communities and our nation”.
Last night, between 8:15 and 8:45, Mirchandani was killed as he about to enter his home, which is situated two houses away from the Girl Guides building in Taylors Range.
According to residents in the area, they were made aware of the incident after hearing the sound of two gunshots and loud screams by the wife of the deceased.
Additional information states that shortly before his demise, Mirchandani had exited a taxi and was about to enter his yard, along with his wife and child, when an individual(s) approached and robbed him of an undisclosed sum of money.
However, during the robbery, Mirchandani was shot and he fell at the entrance of his residence, while the perpetrator(s) escaped running west along the street that houses Beach Allen Primary School.
The Indian national was pronounced dead at the scene by the District Medical Officer, Dr. Reginald O'Loughlin.
Govind Mirchandani’s death has taken to 17 the amount of murders committed in the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis for this year.
