ANTIGUA CHRONICLE, NOVEMBER 11 --- The third male suspect allegedly involved in practicing Obeah in Antigua was arrested and taken into custody by police.
Manjunath Govindappa of India is currently being questioned by the police, following a search of his rented Prince Klass Street property on Tuesday.
Manjunath Govindappa
During the search the police confiscated several pieces of paraphernalia alleged to be used in practicing Obeah.
Prior to his arrest, two other men, also of India were taken into custody and are being questioned in connection with similar offences.
Their Rohan Henry Street property was also searched and similar items relating Obeah practices were confiscated.
Further investigations into the matter are currently ongoing, and it is likely that they will be charged for committing offences under the Obeah Act.
EARLIER REPORT
The police on Tuesday arrested Sandeep Gangadharaiah and Krishna Chennai Madras both of India for being involved in the practicing of Obeah.
Acting on information, the police armed with Search Warrants, conducted a search on a Rohan Henry Street property occupied by both men, and found several pieces of evidential materials believed to be used in the practicing of Obeah. Both men were arrested and taken into custody.
The items found were seized and taken to the station pending further investigations into the matter.
Sandeep Gangadharaiah
It was brought to the attention of the Police Administration that certain individual(s) in the public are engaged in the illegal practices of Obeah, and the like.
In light of this recent development, the Police Administration has issued a reminder to members of the general public that it is an offence, for anyone to be engaged in any form of Obeah or any form of Supernatural Practices, or even act as a consultant in such matters; in accordance to the Obeah Act, Cap 298 of the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda.
Krishna Chennai Madras
Under Sections 5, 6,7,8,9 and 11 the Obeah Act, it clearly states that: Every person practicing, or in any way concerned in the practice of obeah, or using any subtle craft, means or device by obeah or otherwise shall be liable to be imprisoned for any period not exceeding 5 years or 12 months as the case may be.
The Act goes further to state that any person, who pretends or professes to tell fortunes, or uses any subtle craft, means or device, by palmistry or otherwise, or pretends to cure injuries or diseases ect, has committed an offence the Act. The police are therefore warning person(s) who may be involved in such illegal practices to desist immediately.
Anyone failing to comply will be arrested and charged.
