Kidnapped South businessman freed

AFTER 18 days of captivity, not knowing whether he would live or be killed, kidnapped South businessman Premanand Dulan was released on Monday night in Tunapuna after relatives reportedly paid $47,600 to his kidnappers — a marked decrease in the $2 million ransom which was demanded for his safe release. Yesterday, although not wanting to be photographed or to have Dulan speak to the press, his relieved relatives issued a message of thanks to the kidnappers for freeing the businessman who suffers from asthma. Dulan, 37, who owns and operates a clotheing store on High Street, San Fernando, was released in Tunapuna around 10.30 pm after his relatives dropped off the $47,600. About 30 minutes after being released, a disoriented Dulan was found by a UWI student who took him to Tunapuna Police Station.

Police said Dulan, who did not show signs of being physically assaulted, was accompanied to the San Fernando General Hospital where he was examined by doctors, treated for minor health issues and sent home to his happy, relieved relatives. Dulan was said to be resting comfortably at his home up to yesterday afternoon. Following his abduction on Friday, March 19, in front of his Freeling Street, San Fernando home, a $2 million ransom demand was made, to which his ailing parents, Dularie and Bobby, claimed they could not pay since they did not have that amount of money.

The family was able to raise $47,600 which was dropped off at an undisclosed location in Barataria, hours before Dulan’s release. The asthmatic businessman told police he believed he was kept somewhere in Central Trinidad. Although a relative described Dulan’s condition as “good,” a reliable source told Newsday he was frail and very ill.  As word spread about his release yesterday, visitors flocked to the home, but only close relatives were permitted to see the businessman. When Newsday visited the home yesterday, a relative refused to allow an interview with Dulan but expressed his heartfelt thanks to the media, police and other persons who assisted in Dulan’s release.