Body of businessman found in Maraval

The body of a 33-year-old Freeport businessman who went missing on Sunday night was discovered at the side of the roadway at Perseverance Road, Maraval, yesterday. The dead businessman was identified as Pradeep Seecharan

Reports revealed that Seecharan left his home in a van and when he failed to return home a report was made to the Freeport police. Yesterday, his van was discovered in San Fernando. Around 6 am yesterday, a man telephoned the Maraval Police Station and reported that a body was lying at the side of the roadway. When police officers went to the scene, they saw the body of an East Indian man in his late 20s, clad in a jersey and blue jeans. A check by a district medical officer revealed that Seecharan had injuries to the back of the head as well as a broken leg. Police officers also discovered broken glass from a car next to the body.

Seecharan had about $200 in his pants pocket and was wearing socks, but no shoes. Senior officers said yesterday that Seecharan was hijacked, robbed and then appeared to have been beaten to death. An autopsy will be carried out today to determine the cause of death. When Newsday visited the area where the body was found, residents of the area claimed that they did not hear any thing to suggest that the man was struck by a vehicle. They believe that he was killed and his body dumped at Perseverance Road. Residents said that the man is not from the area. Officers of the Maraval Police Station are investigating.