Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally has described the murder of Pundit Ramesh Maharaj as barbaric, and called for swift action to deal with crime in the country.
In a statement issued yesterday, the MP expressed horror at the attack on the pundit by two assailants in Guaico, Sangre Grande.
Police said Maharaj was chopped to death and his wife was robbed of cash and jewellery while at their home in Sou Sou Lands.
Rambally condemned the “violent act,” calling it an “assault on the fabric of society and a man of peace and spirituality.”
The MP also expressed solidarity with the family, friends and community of the murdered pundit, saying that “such acts of violence must not be allowed to become a norm.”
Rambally criticised “the rising tide of violent crimes across Trinidad and Tobago,” which he said is leaving law-abiding citizens in fear for their safety.
Rambally, who is also a pundit and legal adviser to the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, called for swift justice, demanding that authorities hold the perpetrators accountable.
“It is time for the Ministry of National Security to take decisive action to stem the tide of bloodshed,” Rambally urged, referencing what he said was the lack of effective strategies and interventions to combat the growing crime rate in the country.
“How much more blood must be spilt before the ministry acknowledges the urgency of the situation?” he asked, highlighting what he said was the need for immediate leadership and concrete measures to restore peace and security.
He called for an increased police presence, stronger community policing efforts and more support for law enforcement officers on the ground to reassure the public.
Rambally extended his condolences to the family of Pundit Maharaj, as he repeated his call for sustained efforts to prevent “senseless acts of violence from continuing.”
The Chaguanas West MP also expressed concern for the overall safety and security in T&T, as the nation grapples with the effects of rising crime.