(Trinidad Guardian) Komal Maharaj, 40, who was reported missing on July 19, was found alive at a shop in Cedros, where he went to ask for a phone call yesterday and was last night assisting police with their investigation into his disappearance.
The owner recognised him and contacted the Cedros police, who responded with officers of the Anti Kidnapping Unit.
Hunters Search and Rescue Team, led by Commander Shamsudeen Ayube, confirmed to Guardian Media that Maharaj had been found.
He said Komal contacted Ayube and asked for help about a week ago.
He told him he was in Venezuela.
This information was passed on to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and family members.
Ayube and police officers were making arrangements to go to Venezuela to return Maharaj to T&T before he was found last night.
His family released a statement expressing their relief and gratitude.
“We are eternally grateful to Almighty God, who sustained us during our time of anguish, and who brought our beloved Komal back home safely to us. Our sincere thanks to the numerous individuals and organisations who supported us with prayers and good wishes, and to all who worked tirelessly to find Komal. Our family is appealing for privacy at this time, and we ask that all questions be directed to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.”
Maharaj, a 40-year-old consultant from Felicity and former school teacher, was reported missing on July 19 and was initially believed to have been kidnapped.
He was last seen at Price Plaza in Chaguanas around 2 pm on the day of his disappearance.
His vehicle was found but there was no trace of him.
The family had appealed to the public for assistance but declined to speak with the media.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from Price Plaza to determine whether Maharaj might have met someone, whether he was alone at the ATM, and if he entered another vehicle willingly.
Officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad confirmed that no ransom demands had been made.
Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally yesterday called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Maharaj’s disappearance.
He stressed that it is crucial for those responsible to be identified and held accountable to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Rambally expressed relief that Maharaj has been found safe and is now reunited with his family. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the police, the public, and the community of Felicity for their tireless efforts and unwavering support during the search for Maharaj.
