A dispute in which a woman allegedly slapped her nephew and he reciprocated last month was followed by threats against him and culminated in his fatal chopping at Friendship, Corentyne, on Monday night, according to the young man’s family.

Chittesh Sukhai, 23, also known as “Rohan” and “Marsho”, died at the Port Mourant Public Hospital after he was attacked at about 11.40 pm. Police said two men, aged 27 and 23, have been arrested in connection with his death. Investigations are continuing.

Sukhai’s father, Dianand Sukhai, speaking to the media, said the dispute began in August at a Chinese supermarket, where his sister was speaking with another person. He alleged that she accused Chittesh of listening to their conversation and slapped him. Chittesh slapped her back, his father said.

According to Dianand, the woman’s sons subsequently went to the family’s home on August 31 and threatened to kill Chittesh. He said his son moved out for a time because of the threat. The family reported the matter to the police, but, Dianand alleged, no action was taken before Monday night’s attack.

His daughter, Navina Sukhai, also said the family had made a report and expected the police to follow up. “The police never come back, they never tell them or come and inform or tell them anything. It left just like that,” she said.

Navina said Chittesh was on his way home during a power outage when he was intercepted near a bridge and chopped. According to her account, two of his cousins and two other men were involved.

She said she learned of the attack after a call on Monday night and went to the hospital where she saw her brother’s badly chopped body. She wept as she recalled seeing her brother’s mangled body.

Dianand described his son’s injuries as severe, including wounds to his head, neck and back. He said he could not bear to continue looking at his son’s body. Both he and Navina called for justice.