Freeport Councillor Clings to Life After Alleged Suicide Attempt; Community in Shock

Anil Baliram, a councillor for Freeport/Chickland, is locked in a desperate battle for survival following an alleged suicide attempt at his residence in Couva. The incident unfolded on Sunday morning around 8:30 a.m. when police officers attached to the Couva Police Station rushed to respond to a distress call at Watson Court, Exchange, Couva.

Upon arrival, the officers found Emergency Health Services (EHS) personnel engaging in a furious struggle to resuscitate Baliram. The councillor, despite his dire situation, showed faint signs of life as the team of officers and EHS personnel labored relentlessly to stabilize him at the scene.

Following initial emergency care, Baliram was hurriedly transported to the Couva District Health Facility. Due to the severity of his condition, he was later transferred to the San Fernando General Hospital for advanced medical treatment.

As investigations commenced, a chilling scene started to unfold. Police discovered a tricoloured bungee cord fastened to an inner ceiling beam. A ladder, seemingly out of place, was also found nearby. In a dramatic twist, a passer-by, drawn by the desperate screams of Baliram’s wife, had made a valiant attempt to save the councillor by cutting the cord.

Among the first responders were Officers PC Sonnylal and PC Coombs, who found themselves thrust into the center of this traumatic incident.