HGP Nightly News reports that lawyers for Bhojnarine Bhola, the owner of Double Day Hotel, have turned to the High Court to contest what they describe as an unlawful travel restriction imposed by the Guyana Police Force. This move comes as they assume the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge has concluded.
In court filings submitted on December 5, Bhola’s attorneys argue that the ban preventing him from leaving Guyana lacks legal justification, particularly since police have publicly indicated there is no evidence of foul play in the child’s death. The application names Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, S.C. as respondents and seeks court orders to lift any stop-order or watchlist entry affecting Bhola.
The legal challenge highlights Bhola’s detention back in April, following the report of Adriana Younge’s disappearance and her subsequent discovery dead in the hotel’s swimming pool at Tuschen, Essequibo Coast. Although he was held for several days and initially booked on murder allegations, Bhola was never formally charged. Investigators later stated the death appeared consistent with drowning, although the results of a second autopsy remain publicly unknown.
Despite the findings, Bhola’s lawyers emphasize that he was only released on the condition that he remain within Guyana, a restriction that has persisted long after police announcements. They contend that this measure is arbitrary, unconstitutional, and constitutes punishment without charge, especially as Bhola has fully cooperated with investigators, including submitting DNA samples.
The filing also discusses the aftermath of the incident, which included the burning of Bhola’s hotel, home, and vehicles, rendering him displaced. Furthermore, he has been unable to travel to Canada to visit his terminally ill father, despite multiple written requests to authorities seeking clarification on the lifting of the travel restriction.
Bhola’s legal team includes Sanjeev Datadin, Khalif Gobin, and Mohanie Anganoo, all members of the People’s Progressive Party Civic.
