Police Detain Azruddin Mohamed After Gunfire Near Prem Narine’s Kitty Home

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and two others are in police custody after a late-night shooting near Senior Superintendent Prem Narine’s Kitty home, with police saying they found an unlicensed pistol and ammunition in Mohamed’s car. Mohamed denies the allegations and says police fired at his vehicle and planted the gun. Ballistic tests and CCTV review are expected to be key in resolving the conflicting accounts.

A police shooting involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and Special Branch head Prem Narine has triggered an investigation after gunfire was reported outside Narine’s Kitty residence late Monday night. Police say Narine fired back after hearing a gunshot, then officers stopped Mohamed’s car and found an unlicensed .32 pistol and ammunition inside, which Mohamed says was planted.

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says police fired at least seven shots at his vehicle early Tuesday before a handgun was later found during a search, allegations he and his lawyer say point to a planted weapon. Video shared by Mohamed shows apparent bullet marks and the arrest, but the police account has not been independently confirmed. The incident has prompted calls for a prompt, impartial investigation.

Police have not responded to allegations that officers fired on Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed near Special Branch head Prem Narine’s home in Kitty, then arrested and beat Mohamed, Eugene Thorne and Mario Mohamed. The men remain in custody after police said a firearm was found in their vehicle, a claim Mohamed denies. The case has heightened scrutiny of police conduct and the use of state security.