THE preliminary inquiry (PI) into the charges surrounding the mid-air stabbing of a pilot and a passenger, during a domestic flight earlier this year, began yesterday before Principal Magistrate Oscar Parvatan at Vreed-en-Hoop Court, West Coast Demerara.

In the dock was former Chronicle Reporter Sharon Lall, 21, who is charged with attempting to murder the flyer Yacoob Mazaharally (Jnr) and Vidya Gooray, who was also on the aircraft.

Mazaharally, of Lot 19 Second Street, Cummings Lodge, employed with Air Services Limited at Ogle Aerodrome, also on East Coast Demerara, was the first witness.

The proceedings started after the issue of arrest warrants for the two virtual complainants and the indefinite adjournment of the case because the two victims were reportedly out of the jurisdiction.

Gooray was again absent yesterday but Magistrate Parvatan decided to begin after Mazaharally said he was ready and willing to pursue the matter.

Lall is alleged to have stabbed 24-year-old Mazaharally and Gooray, 45, who was accompanied on the ‘Cessna’ aircraft by her nine-year-old daughter.

All of them were on the way from Ogle to Spring Gardens, Essequibo Coast.

Mazaharally was able to abort the journey and return the plane to Ogle from where the injured were rushed to hospital.

The PI continues on December 14.