Mom, daughter beaten and robbed in Barrackpore home invasion

Senior Multimedia Reporter

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A Barrackpore businesswoman and her daughter were bound, beaten, and robbed during a terrifying home invasion on Tuesday afternoon, even as public consultations continue on the Government’s proposed Stand Your Ground legislation.

The attack is the latest in a string of violent home invasions reported across several districts in recent months. The proposed legislation, currently under public review, would allow homeowners to use deadly force if they believe their lives are in danger during such incidents.

According to police, the incident occurred around 3 pm at the home of Leelawatie Samaroo, 52, proprietor of Jones Mini Mart at Kanhai Road North. Samaroo was reportedly in her bedroom when three men entered through the front door.

One of the suspects, described as slim-built, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, dark in complexion, and wearing a blue jersey and dark pants, was armed with a cutlass. A second man, also slim-built and dark in complexion, wore a yellow jersey and dark pants and was armed with a knife. No description was provided for the third suspect.

Police said the first man announced a robbery and demanded jewellery. He tied Samaroo’s hands with duct tape and forced her to lie face down on the bedroom floor, where he struck her several times on the head. The first and second suspects then ransacked the room and stole a Samsung S10 cellphone before heading upstairs.

There, they broke into another bedroom occupied by Samaroo’s 22-year-old daughter, Shannia. The intruders reportedly bypassed the lock on her door, beat her, and bound her hands, feet, and mouth with duct tape.

They escaped with her wallet containing US$600 and TT$100, along with a Samsung A22 cellphone, before fleeing the scene in a silver Nissan Tiida.

After freeing themselves, the victims reported the incident to the Barrackpore Police Station. Police later discovered that several items were missing, including two 20-pound LPG gas tanks, $600 in cash, and cigarettes valued at approximately $100.

Crime scene investigators processed the home and reviewed CCTV footage from nearby locations. An all-points bulletin was issued, but no arrests had been made up to press time. Police say arrests are imminent.