Kidnappers want $3M for New York Trini

A $3 million ransom has been demanded for the safe release of kidnap victim Balram “Balo” Maharaj, who was kidnapped in El Socorro on Wednesday night by two men who bundled him into a car. Relatives issued another plea for kidnappers to release Maharaj, 62, who was described as being ill and in dire need of medication. He is reportedly afflicted with kidney failure, diabetes and heart complications. Police investigators told Newsday they believe that Maharaj’s kidnapping may be linked to an altercation he had several years ago with a relative. Maharaj, a Trinidadian living in New York, arrived in the country last Saturday and was scheduled to leave the country next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce yesterday expressed alarm over the early retirement of ASP Adam Joseph of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS). In a release, the chamber noted, “At a time when kidnappings occur daily and no one appears to be safe, when business owners, small and large, live in fear for their children, it is absurd to hear reports that Government has not provided the AKS with surveillance and other necessary equipment.” The Chamber made an urgent call on Government, “To take all necessary steps to immediately supply the Police Service, and the AKS Unit in particular, with the crucial equipment and other resources required, so that the persecution of law-abiding citizens may cease.”