KIDNAPPED MECHANIC RELEASED
MECHANIC Sham Mohammed was released on Thursday night after his abductors realised he was not the person they wanted, but not before he was interrogated about the whereabouts of the intended victim. At about 7.30 pm, Mohammed, 45, aka Abzal, was released in the Carlsen Field area and brought to the Freeport Police Station by a motorist. He was then taken to the Chaguanas Health Facility before being handed over to officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad. The uninjured father of three told police he was transferred to another car after he was abducted, and then taken to a house where he heard airplane engines and Azzan (the Muslim call to prayers). He also told police that because he had been blindfolded and tied up, he could not see a face or determine where he was. He also said that after his abduction on Wednesday, his kidnappers kept asking him who he was. When they were satisfied that he was not the intended victim, he was assured he would be released later that night. His release did not come until Thursday night. During his incarceration, the KS Enterprises mechanic told police that his abductors kept asking him how to contact his boss. Through his spokesperson, Rhondor Dowlat, he thanked God for being alive and for the prayers and support from the nation. He also thanked the media for the role it played, especially in broadcasting his daughter’s plea — which he believed convinced the kidnappers that he was not the person they wanted. Mohammed had only been working for two months at the company before he was snatched shortly after midday on Wednesday. At the time he had his employer’s white BMW car. Central businessman grabbed while praying Charlieville businessman Nandlal Singh was snatched while praying in front of a Hindu temple at his John Peter Road home at about 8.30 pm on Thursday night. Up to late yesterday, no ransom had been demanded for the father of five. Police reports revealed that, Nandlal Singh, 47, alias "Peppy," the owner of the building housing Apple Recreation Club in Curepe, was praying at the temple in front of his home when two men armed with guns jumped out of a car and announced a hold-up. They ordered a female relative to hand over cash and valuables that were worth more than $4,000. The gunmen then bundled Singh into a car and fled the scene. A report was made to the Chaguanas police and a party of officers went to the scene. An all points bulletin was sent out to police vehicles on patrol to look for the kidnappers’ vehicle. Yesterday, scores of relatives and friends of the kidnapped man gathered at his home to lend support to his family. Lighted deyas adorned the Hindu temple as prayers were offered by members of Singh’s family. His daughter Neela said that her father is a hardworking, God-fearing person who did not deserve to be ill-treated. She pleaded with the kidnappers to release her father. Residents of Curepe and Charlieville described Singh as a charitable person, adding that he was always willing to assist people in need. The Anti-Kidnapping Squad yesterday revealed that 193 persons have been kidnapped for the year. Out of that figure, 48 persons were abducted for a ransom. Police officers had no leads in the kidnapping up until late yesterday. Sgt Joseph Isaac is leading a party of officers in the kidnapping. Kidnap victims Anil Singh, Nigel Dindial and Preetam Singh remain unaccounted for.
By NALINEE SEELAL
Comments
"KIDNAPPED MECHANIC RELEASED"