(Trinidad Guardian) The Hunters Search and Rescue Team has joined the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in the search for Dr Komal Maharaj, a 40-year-old consultant from Felicity who has been missing since Friday afternoon and is believed to have been kidnapped.
Maharaj, a resident of Maha Sabha Street and a father of two, was last seen at Price Plaza, Chaguanas, around 2 pm on Friday. He is believed to have gone to an ATM there.
At the time of his disappearance he was wearing jeans, a red jersey, and a grey hoodie. His vehicle was found but there has been no trace of him.
Investigators are working to retrieve surveillance footage from Price Plaza to determine who Dr. Maharaj might have met, whether he was alone when he went to an ATM in the shopping complex and if he willingly entered another vehicle.
Up to late yesterday no ransom demands had been made. His family are appealing to the public for assistance, although they declined to speak with the media.
Commander Shamsudeen Ayube, who is leading the search by Hunters Search and Rescue, said they were awaiting critical information on the case involving surveillance footage and will be guided accordingly.
However, police investigators have been tightlipped about the case apart from confirming that no ransom demands have been made.
Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally yesterday made a public appeal for anyone with information “no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward immediately.
“Your assistance is crucial in helping us find Dr Maharaj and ensuring his safe return,” said Rambally, who expressed profound concern over Maharaj’s suspected kidnapping.
The Opposition MP added that the Felicity community was standing in solidarity with Maharaj’s family and friends and community members are praying for his safe return.
One friend posted on social media: “A well-loved and well-respected former math teacher of Trimont College. Please hold Dr Komal Maharaj up in prayer. May our Lord Jesus Christ protect him and return him safely to his family.”
Maharaj’s disappearance is the latest in a series of abductions and kidnappings for ransom since late last year. It comes just days after a 33-year-old Chinese businessman was abducted and robbed outside his home in Cunupia on July 17.
The owner of Jin Du Restaurant and Bar was confronted by three armed suspects in a black Nissan X-trail posing as police officers. They stole $17,000, his cell phone, and wallet, then forced him into their vehicle. He was later released, and his cell phone and wallet were returned.
On June 23, a 69-year-old pensioner was abducted from his home on Arena Road by armed individuals and forced him into a white Hyundai pickup van . His abductors took him to a secluded area along Siewdass Road, Freeport, where he was released.
In May, doubles vendor Anisha Singh-Hosein was kidnapped from her stall in El Dorado and taken into the mountains near the Mount St Benedict’s Monastery before being released. Four of her alleged kidnappers were killed in a gunfight with police.
Last December 29, businesswoman Aneesha Narine-Boodoo was abducted in El Socorro by three men in tactical uniforms but was released four days later without a ransom being paid.
If you have any information on Maharaj’s wherabouts is asked to contact the Anti-Kidnapping Unit at 623-6793;- Hunters Search and Rescue Team at477-2031 or 340-5003 (WhatsApp); or the TTPS hotlines: 555, 999, or 800-TIPS