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RADHICA DE SILVA
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Twelve hours after he disappeared following an argument with relatives, the body of Kamal Maharaj was fished out of a pond behind his Penal home yesterday.
Investigators believe Maharaj, 49, of Gopie Trace, died after slipping into the pond. His wife, Devika Maharaj, said he had a few alcoholic drinks on Friday night and began arguing with his youngest brother, Hardeo Maharaj.
"He was always quarrelling when he drink. He left the house around 11 pm. He accustomed going by the pond to chill out. When I didn't see him return around 3 am, we started to look for him," Devika said. She explained that a search party comprising his brothers, nephews, sisters and his son, Govinda, began searching the nearby bushes.
Around 11 am, their neighbour Krishendath Dindial took a long piece of pipe and began poking the bottom of the pond which is about 12 feet deep. Maharaj's body floated up. His fists were clenched and police believe he fought hard to free himself from the murky pond waters. Devika said Maharaj was the sole breadwinner and she did not know how the family will cope with his loss. She said Maharaj was looking forward to celebrating the new year with his family.
Hardeo, who assisted in retrieving the body, broke down in tears.
"I am the youngest and my brother always loved me. Don't mind he argued with me," he wept.
District Medical Officer Dr Maharaj visited the scene and ordered the body removed to the Forensic Science Centre. An autopsy is expected to be done on Tuesday. PC Basdeo is continuing investigations.