$2 Million Home of Detained Businesswoman Fareeda Balgobin Set Ablaze In Penal — Police Investigating
UPDATE: The property is a single-storey residence, consisting of two (2) bedrooms, a kitchen, living area, and garage. Investigators say everything inside, including furniture, appliances, and personal belongings, was lost in the fire. The building itself sustained severe structural damage, with visible cracks along the walls. Extensive burn patterns were also noted along the Southwestern exterior wall.
Authorities are also said to be working to determine the status of insurance coverage on the property.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The body of this article has been updated with new details.
The home of 38-year-old Fareeda Balgobin was set ablaze in Penal early this morning (Wednesday 15th April, 2026) in a suspected Molotov attack. Balgobin and her teenage son remain in Police custody in connection with the alleged false imprisonment and torture of 42-year-old Sabita Basdeo over a lengthy period, spanning at least seven (7) years.
During that time, Basdeo was unlawfully kept away from her husband and children, enduring allegations of unpaid forced labour, physical and sexual torture and abuse, in what has been described as a case of modern-day slavery — which has shocked the nation.
According to reports, the blaze erupted shortly after 6:30 AM at a two-bedroom concrete house, located along Deosaran Trace, San Francique, Penal. The property, owned by Balgobin, is estimated to be worth $1.9 million.
No one was inside the home at the time and no injuries were reported.
A nearby resident reported hearing a loud bang before noticing thick smoke emanating from the Southwestern side of the property and immediately alerted Police and Fire Services, who responded swiftly to the scene.
Upon arrival, Police and Fire Officers found the structure already engulfed. Firefighters from the Siparia Fire Station managed to bring the flames under control before they could spread to nearby structures. Despite their efforts, however, sections of the house were extensively damaged, with parts of the interior gutted by the fire.
Investigators later examined the scene and reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting the blaze may have been intentionally set. Officers observed that burglar-proofing on a bedroom window had been forcibly pried open, while a rear door on the same side of the house was found ajar.
These discoveries have led authorities to treat the incident as a suspected act of arson.
A Molotov cocktail is believed to have been used to ignite the fire.
Investigations are continuing by Officers from the Penal Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to determine who may be responsible and the motive behind the attack.
More on this as it becomes available.
[Source: Ian Alleyne]
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