Relatives and friends of Sunil Marimootoo, also known as “Chicken Man,” of Portuguese Quarter, Port Mourant, staged a protest today, calling for his release from police custody. Marimootoo was arrested in connection with the death of 18-year-old Parmand Pertab, a Hampshire resident accused of attempting to rob a goldsmith at the Port Mourant Market last Saturday. The protesters claim that Marimootoo was defending himself when he allegedly struck Pertab during the incident.
Regional Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus confirmed that Marimootoo is in police custody, assisting with the investigation. This development led his family and supporters to gather outside the Port Mourant Market, demanding his immediate release. Protesters held placards reading, “Free Chicken Man,” “Chicken Man defended his community,” and “We need justice,” while chanting slogans like “Who must go? Thief.”
Kavita Marimootoo, Sunil’s wife, spoke to The News Desk, emphasizing her belief that her husband was acting in self-defense. “We are out here because my husband was charged with murder, and I need justice for him,” she said. “This law is backward. He was defending himself, he was also robbed, and he wasn’t the only one involved in the incident. He’s a businessman protecting his community. The police need to conduct a proper investigation.”
Seema Nauth, Marimootoo’s sister, also expressed her frustration. She highlighted the recurring robberies at the Port Mourant Market, claiming that crimes often occur on Saturdays without sufficient police intervention. “Every Saturday, people are robbed, and nothing is done. Now, the bandit was caught red-handed, and they charged my brother who was defending himself. My brother needs justice,” Nauth stated.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on October 26. Pertab, armed with a cutlass, and an accomplice, armed with a handgun, reportedly attempted to rob a jewelry shop at the Port Mourant Market. Pertab assaulted the jeweler’s assistant, while his accomplice ordered other victims to lie on the ground. After seizing jewelry, they tried to escape but were confronted by vendors and bystanders. During the escape, the accomplice reportedly fired three shots, injuring a passerby, before fleeing.
Pertab was cornered by the crowd, disarmed, and beaten. Police arrived on the scene and recovered the stolen items, which had been handed over by witnesses. Both Pertab and the injured bystander, Mark Lovell, were taken to the Port Mourant Hospital. While Lovell was treated and discharged, Pertab succumbed to his injuries.
The situation remains tense as Marimootoo’s supporters continue to call for his release, asserting that his actions were in defense of himself and his community. Police investigations are ongoing, with legal consultations expected before any charges are finalized.
