A Number 64 Village, Corentyne man was last week acquitted of murdering his common-law wife, who died after being set ablaze during an argument in January 2022.
Seelall Dipnarine, also known as “Nari”, 54, was freed after a mixed jury at the Berbice Assizes returned a not-guilty verdict. The trial was presided over by Justice Gino Persaud.
Dipnarine had been accused of murdering Tavita Lall, called “Tasta”, on January 13, 2022.
State Prosecutor Marisa Edwards called 16 witnesses in support of the prosecution’s case.
The prosecution alleged that Dipnarine and Lall were arguing while she was preparing dinner when he pushed her into a kerosene stove, causing her to be set ablaze. The argument reportedly arose after Lall said that she wanted to end their two-year relationship.
Lall was an auxiliary worker attached to the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School.
During the trial, the prosecution tendered a video and audio recording of a statement Dipnarine allegedly gave to Detective Aaron Seegobin following his arrest. In the statement, Dipnarine reportedly admitted pushing Lall into the stove.
A voir dire—a hearing in the absence of the jury—was conducted during the trial to determine the admissibility of evidence.
Following his acquittal, Dipnarine thanked his attorney, Vinay Punwa, for representing him and maintaining his innocence.
He said he now intends to return to work as a fisherman.
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