by Linda Straker
- Gurram is a Behavioural Therapist from California, USA
- Charged with Manslaughter by Unlawful Harm for causing death of Siri Vaishnavi Mantena
- Mantena was found in hotel swimming pool on 17 March
Police in Grenada has charged a United States Citizen with Manslaughter following an investigation into the death of a young lady who was found in the swimming pool of a hotel in the south of the island on 17 March.
“Nihit Gurram, 22 years old, Behavioural Therapist of California, USA, was charged with Manslaughter by Unlawful Harm, for causing the death of Siri Vaishnavi Mantena, 22 years old, Student of India. The incident which resulted in the death of Miss Mantena occurred on 17 March 2024, at Grand Anse, St George,” said a news release from the Community Relations Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF).
Disseminated late Saturday evening, the release said that Gurram is scheduled to appear at St George’s Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 25 March 2024.
An internet search has shown that Gurram is a Behaviour Technician based in Fremont, California. His medical specialisation is Behaviour Technician and his National Provider Identifier is 1124884192.
Last Monday, the RGPF confirmed that they were investigating the death after they were called to the hotel. “At approximately 5:10 a.m., members of the RGPF responded to reports of a drowning at a hotel in the south of the island. Preliminary reports suggest that the deceased went swimming in the hotel swimming pool when she encountered difficulties in the water,” said the news release issued 18 March.
The deceased, according to that first release was retrieved from the swimming pool and CPR was administered, but she was unresponsive. She was subsequently pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
Section 237 of the Criminal Code defines manslaughter as causing the death of another individual by any unlawful harm but, if the harm was negligently caused, he or she is guilty only of manslaughter by negligence.
The 2012 amendment to the Criminal Code states an individual who commits manslaughter by negligence is liable on conviction on indictment to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years, while an individual who commits manslaughter in any other case is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for life.
Though not intended to admonish/rebuke/scold Mr. Nihit Gurram, the young American citizen and behavioural therapist from California, my question is quite simple: have CNN and other mainstream American media reported anything on that matter where a foreigner was killed by an American on Grenadian soil.
I certainly have not heard any or much media ramblings about same but could not ‘catch a break” being bombarded about the two American citizens who were killed by local “animalistic” Grenadians.
Just saying.
Manslaughter by negligence?? Not murder?? .What a cushy number. Was he her doctor or what ?? Why bother to charge him at all. Now he got bail and the Police did not even object. He raised the ec $100,000.00 quickly so he could go relax at some classy apartment here no doubt. He has no ties to Grenada. Who says he is going to stay here for his trial. Watch how this one pans out. Nice going DPP and the RGPF .No doubt after this Radisson might ponder about additional security .
What hotel / resort did this happen at?