Ravi B pleads not guilty

Leaving San Fernando Court

Ravi “Ravi B” Bissambhar pleaded not guilty, on September 27, to inciting a crowd to throw bottles during the Soca Chutney Monarch finals back in February. 

Bissambhar appeared in Court along with his lawyers.

It is alleged that on February 20, Bissambhar did encourage or counsel members of a crowd in attendance at the Chutney Soca Monarch competition, to throw missiles after he was dethroned by Rikki Jai on the night of the show. 

Chankar read the charge to him that: “On February 20, 2011 at Skinner Park, San Fernando, you did encourage or counsel members of the crowd in attendance at the Chutney Soca Monarch 2011 to throw missiles to the annoyance of the said persons.”

The charge was laid by ASP Ramlal under Section 69, Chapter 11:02, of the Summary Offences Act. Before Bissambhar could enter a plea, his attorney, Sophia Chote, asked the magistrate to allow him to enter a plea on the next occasion.

She explained that she needed time to conclude her research on the legal aspects. The magistrate offered to stand down the matter but Chote said it was a matter of legal research. 

Chankar, however, said she would prefer he entered a plea. Bissambhar subsequently pleaded not guilty.

Chote suggested an adjournment date in December, indicating that the nature of his job wIll sometimes take her client out of the country. However, the matter was adjourned to October 31.

In August, Bissambhar turned himself in at the San Fernando police station,Trinidad, after a summons was issued for his arrest following the alleged bottle throwing incident. 

Bissambhar, the lead singer of the chutney band Karma, was at the Chutney Soca Monarch finals defending his title. He placed second to Samraj “Rikki Jai” Jaimungal.

Bissambhar was accompanied to court yesterday by a bodyguard, his sister Nisha Bissambhar and other band members. They were greeted by members of the public as they entered the courthouse.

You Tube Video on the incident Below