Victim in dire need of medication

Relatives of the country’s latest kidnap victim, Balram Bachu Maharaj, 62, yesterday pleaded with kidnappers to release him since he could die if he is not given his medicines to deal with his diabetes, hypertension and kidney failure. Jeewan John of Chandee Lane, El Socorro, yesterday produced a bag containing the various medication of which Maharaj is in dire need. He said his brother is gravely ill and he is worried about his chances of surviving the ordeal. Maharaj, who lives in New York, arrived in the country on Saturday to spend time with relatives. He was supposed to return to New York next Wednesday.

Reports revealed that around 6.30 pm on Wednesday he was at Savannah Cafe, a bar located near the home of his relatives, when two men armed with guns ordered him into a vehicle and sped off. Up to yesterday, no ransom demand had been made for Maharaj. The father of three, a retired soldier, left Trinidad several years ago and is now a citizen of the United States. His brother John said he is unable to pay a ransom since he does not have much cash. He added that the kidnapping of his brother has left him confused, since he is not sure why anyone would target an ill person with no cash.

As he cried yesterday, John called on kidnappers to rethink their decision and allow “Balo” to return to El Socorro. Officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad told Newsday that, they are following several leads and feel the kidnapping of Maharaj may have been planned and carried out by people who knew him. Investigations are continuing. Up until yesterday 33 persons had been kidnapped for the year. Eighty-five percent of those kidnappings took place in Central Trinidad.