Kidnapped Central businessman released

KIDNAPPED CENTRAL businessman Outhar Maraj was released on Tuesday night after an undisclosed sum of money was paid to his abductors.

Maraj, 38, a car rental businessman, of Grand Central Park, was bundled into a van after his car was forced off the road at Jerningham Junction, Chaguanas, on Sunday night. He was reportedly on his way home when the incident occurred. Hours later kidnappers contacted his relatives demanding a $2 million ransom for his safe return. Police sources told Newsday that without the knowledge of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), who were investigating the kidnapping, relatives arranged with the kidnappers to have the ransom paid. Sources confirmed that Maraj was released after his abductors collected money, but declined to state the exact amount of money paid.

Maraj was dropped off at Chandernagore in Chase Village, Chaguanas around 7.15 pm on Tuesday and managed to make his way home. Relatives then contacted the Chaguanas CID and Anti-Kidnapping Squad. Maraj, who was kept blindfolded throughout his ordeal, was interviewed by investigators at his home. Police sources said Maraj admitted to them that money was paid, but declined to reveal the amount. When Newsday visited Maraj’s home yesterday, relatives claimed he was not at home. They also said Maraj did not want to speak to the media about his ordeal. Meanwhile, up to late yesterday relatives of kidnap victim Ryan Jaipaul, 27, of St Charles Road, Princes Town, had not been contacted by his captors. Jaipaul was also abducted on Sunday night, while standing in front his sister’s home. Anti-Kidnapping Squad officers are continuing investigations.