Businessman ‘Bull’ crematedBy JANELLE DE SOUZA Saturday, September 15 2012
Leave justice to God because He knows and He would deal with everything and everyone in time.
That was the admonition of Pundit Annan yesterday morning at the funeral service of businessman Ragoonath “Bull” Sooknanan, at the family’s home on Morton St in Tunapuna.
Sooknanan, who owned a haberdashery store off the Eastern Main Road in Tunapuna, was shot at about 5.20 am on Saturday last, while walking to work along Tunapuna Rd.
Several loud explosions were heard and the police found Sooknanan’s body lying in a pool of blood.
Then, on Thursday night at about 8.30pm, the building which housed the store, was burnt. There was widespread speculation amongst residents, and other business people that Thursday’s fire was arson, and was connected to his murder. The theories, however, could not be confirmed by the police, or fire officers.
There was a police presence on the street during the funeral, as they stopped vehicles from turning onto Morton St. The cops casually patrolled the area on foot. They looked over the mourners of all ages, classes and races in attendance, who spilt out onto the road, and even into a neighbour’s yard.
“You do your part and love everyone. Leave everything else to God,” said Annan. “To everyone we hurt, we only hurt ourselves.”
Annan said death comes to everyone, and no one can determine the manner, or the time. Therefore, everyone should be prepared for death, and anything that happens in life, by serving God. He said Sooknanan worshipped God and performed his duties, taking care of his family and work.
Referring to Sooknanan’s death and the sudden fire at his business place, Annan said the family was experiencing a “domino effect.” He said, “one thing starts to go bad in your life, as has happened in this family, and when will it stop? Devotees, it will only stop when the Lord decides.”
Following Annan’s address, family members placed red and white roses in the casket. Some of his children and siblings cried audibly, dropping tears on Sooknanan’s still body. During this time and the funeral rights, Sooknanan’s wife, Indira broke down and began crying uncontrollably. She and her daughters had to be physically supported by friends and family.
Sooknanan’s body was later escorted to the Caroni Cremation Site by police vehicles.
