Kidnapped teen released

SHAKTI Pooran, 19, son of businessman Gopaul Pooran, was dropped off by his kidnappers at a bus-shed in Oropouche early yesterday morning, after a ransom, which police believe to be $40,000, was paid by his relatives. However, while the Pooran family were yesterday rejoicing and thanking the Almighty for their relative’s safe return, there was no such luck for the Chattoo family of Penal, whose relative has gone into hiding after being abducted and badly beaten. In the Pooran incident, according to police reports, Shakti was dropped off at a bus-shed near Mosquito Creek around 6 am. After his release, Pooran made his way to the Oropouche Police Station where officers telephoned his relatives. Gopaul Pooran arrived at the police station sometime later to pick up his son.

However, there was sadness at the home, because Pooran’s grandmother died before she was told of his release. Newsday was informed that members of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) were supposed to have visited Pooran yesterday to get a statement from him. The 19-year-old who lives at Aripero Village, San Fernando, was kidnapped about a week ago. His kidnappers contacted Gopaul Pooran who owns Pooran’s Glass Supplies, demanding $200,000 for his release. No arrests have been made as yet. Meanwhile, the Chattoo family are keeping their hopes up regarding the disappearance of their relative Visham Chattoo.

The missing 21-year-old man of Medford Flat, Charlo Village, Penal was reportedly abducted on Monday around 11.15 pm. Chattoo and his friend Andy Ramsingh, of Syne Village, Penal were walking along High Street, Siparia, when they were approached by two men in a car. They were both beaten and robbed. Chattoo was later forced into the car which sped off. He was reportedly dropped off elsewhere, and has since gone into hiding. Chattoo’s mother, Rawtee Chattoo said there still had not been any word on the whereabouts of her son. The worried woman is again appealing to her son to return home, or contact the Siparia police.