By Faizool Deo
A BUSINESSMAN arrested amidst the Lusignan massacre protests yesterday claimed that he was abused by Police.

Dan Hookumchand said he was kicked and dragged out of his vehicle, after which he had to endure four hours in the lockup, and withstand the pain of having his handcuffs ‘cut off’ of him after the Police lost the key.
The man said his ordeal began on the Lusignan public road at around 14:00 h, when he was attempting to purchase some items from the Budget Supermarket and Pharmacy in the village.

Since Saturday, the area around the supermarket has been a hotbed for protesters venting their anger over the execution of 11 villagers by a gang of gunmen.

The 49-year-old resident of Betterhope, another East Coast village, claimed that he was about to turn his car into the parking lot of the supermarket when he saw some Police ranks in the way, he told them to “move and let me pass,” but instead he said they approached his car, pulled him out and kicked and dragged him up the road.

This accusation was supported by several other persons when they spoke to this newspaper. One man stated that Hookumchand attempted to fight back but he was overpowered by the Police.

‘Hacksaw keys’
Later in the afternoon, Hookumchand returned to the location, to pick up his car, with swollen hands.

The businessman said he was taken to the Vigilance Police Station by the police, and when the time came for him to be released, they could not find the keys to the handcuffs.

His wife was then tasked with purchasing two hacksaw blades at the request (allegedly) of the Police, to cut the handcuffs. Hookumchand stated that the experience was a “painful one” which left his hands in a “terrible state”.

At the station, he claimed some 12 persons were arrested for “presumably protesting.”

Hookumchand stated that even though he understands the protest action by the villagers, his main reason for being in the area was to purchase from the supermarket.

“If I wanted to protest I would not have brought my new car here,” the businessman contended.