Montrichard, Bidasee released by abductors

TWO kidnap victims were released less than 24 hours apart yesterday. According to reports, Goodwood Park resident Brandon Montrichard was released unharmed around 2.30 am yesterday near the Peakes Quik Shoppe and Service Station on Western Main Road, Cocorite. Twenty-Four hours earlier, Wallerfield resident Ronald Bidasee had already been released at the Wallerfield racing circuit near his home. According to reports, Montrichard was released yesterday after a second instalment was paid on the $5 million ransom demanded by his abductors. His family had reportedly paid $20,000 immediately after his abduction.

Montrichard walked into the nearby service station, where he identified himself to employees. His family was contacted, and rushed to the scene. Montrichard, who ap-peared groggy and traumatised, was handed over to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS). After a preliminary interview, the AKS took him to the hospital where he was checked and released. Montrichard could not say where he was kept, or how many persons were involved because he was gagged, blindfolded and tied up. Sources confirmed that Montrichard, who appeared shaky from the five-day ordeal, was otherwise in a good mood.

He was kidnapped while dropping off a friend last Friday morning in Westmoorings. When Newsday visited the family’s Sandown Road home at Goodwood Park, we were told he was resting and could not talk to the media. Around 4.15 on Tuesday morning, a beaten and weary Bidasee was released at the Wallerfield racing circuit. He walked to a nearby house, where his family was contacted. Bidasee, 19, was kidnapped on May 2 while driving his father’s Prado vehicle at Moonan Road, Wallerfield, a short distance from his Block 3 Wallerfield home.

One million dollars had been demanded for his release, and Newsday learnt that a sum of $100,000 was paid, unknown to the police. Bidasee was taken to the Arima Police Station and then to the Arima District Hospital, where he was treated for bruises. He later met with the AKS. Sources confirmed that Bidasee, who was beaten throughout the eight-day ordeal, was fed a meal of dry biscuits and water. He also did not know where he was kept or how many persons were holding him captive.