By Mark DaCosta-The arrest of a 52-year-old man in connection with the brutal murder of his former partner has brought renewed attention to the scourge of domestic violence in our nation. Bidraj Ganesh, a carpenter from Annandale Sand Reef, East Coast Demerara, was apprehended in a cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, hours after allegedly killing 34-year-old Bibi Fazila Ally, a school cleaner and mother of their eight-year-old son. The suspect, who reportedly attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous substance, remains under police guard at Georgetown Public Hospital.
The tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, at approximately 12:15 pm. According to police reports, Ganesh and Ally had been in a tumultuous relationship for over eight years, which ended in December 2024 after years of abuse. Ally, who had sought refuge at her mother’s home in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, was found dead in the house she once shared with Ganesh. Her body, lying in a pool of blood, bore three deep wounds: one on her hand, another on her forehead, and a devastating 17-centimetre gash across the back of her neck.
The couple’s young son, who witnessed the aftermath of the attack, alerted his aunt, Raywattie Ganesh, that his father had assaulted his mother and fled in a taxi. The child’s harrowing account revealed that he had been locked outside the house while his parents were inside. Moments later, he saw his father exit with a chopper and a bag before driving away. Upon re-entering the house, the boy discovered his mother’s lifeless body.
Ally’s mother, Babita Ally, recounted the years of abuse her daughter endured at the hands of Ganesh. “He used to threaten my daughter bad and brutalise her. Any hour in the night, she would call, and we would go over and get her,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. “The last time he beat her, she called and said, ‘Mommy, me ain’t able with no more lash. He does beat me every time.’” Despite leaving the relationship and paying Ganesh $400,000 to secure her freedom, Ally could not escape his relentless harassment.
The suspect’s arrest followed a frantic search by police, who located him at Enterprise Cemetery. Ganesh, who had consumed a herbicide in an apparent suicide attempt, was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Investigators revealed that the couple’s relationship had been marred by accusations of infidelity and threats of violence. Ganesh had allegedly accused Ally of having another lover after she acquired a smartphone, further escalating tensions.
Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue in our country, with many victims struggling to break free from abusive relationships. Ally’s tragic death underscores the urgent need for stronger protections and support systems for survivors. Her mother’s heart-wrenching plea for justice echoes the pain of countless families who have lost loved ones to such senseless violence. “It was like if he did Qurbani on my daughter,” Babita Ally said, describing the horrific scene. “My daughter’s face was covered in blood. Her eyes were open, her mouth was open.”
As the investigation continues, Ally’s body has been taken to Memorial Gardens Mortuary for a post-mortem examination. The police have vowed to pursue justice for the victim and her family, but the case has sparked outrage and calls for action against domestic violence. Community leaders and advocates have taken to social media emphasising the need for education, resources, and legal reforms to protect vulnerable individuals.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic abuse.
