Decomposed, dismembered body found in river

Caroni police officers are seeking assistance in identifying the remains of a decomposed body found floating in the Guayamare River yesterday.  According to reports, at about 7 am yesterday Mohanlall Maharaj of Fereira St, St Helena, went to the river, located in the Caroni area, to feed fishes when he noticed a body floating in the river. The man alerted the police who found the dismembered remains floating in the murky waters. According to reports, the lower part of the body appeared to be burnt, and to be that of a tall man. DMO Birja visited the scene and ordered the body removed to the Forensic Science Centre where an autopsy will be performed tomorrow.

A party of officers also visited the scene including Sup Corria, ASP Millette, Insp Quash, and Ag Sgts Persad and Corbet. Investigations are continuing. Investigating officers, when contacted could not say whether the body found was that of kidnapped teenager, Joel Ragoo, who was snatched from his Chase Village, Chaguanas home on Wednesday evening by armed men. Ragoo’s abductors later called his relatives and demanded $5 million for his safe return. A car believed to be the one used in the abduction of the teenager was later found burnt at the Longdenville Cemetery. Investigations are continuing.