Kidnappers release car dealer

AFTER almost three weeks in captivity, kidnap victim Saran “Billy” Kissoondan, a foreign used car businessman, was released by his captors early yesterday morning. Police have refused to say if  the ransom demanded for his safe release was paid.

The prominent car dealer was reportedly released around 5.30 am yesterday at the flyover on the Solomon Hochoy Highway near Chase Village. Police believe arrangements for Kissoondan’s release were made by his family. Moments after being freed, Kissoondan was interviewed by members of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS). At his Reserve Road, Palmyra Village home, a guard dog was chained to the front gate. Newsday was told by an employee that Kissoondan was at home but would not be speaking to the media. Police sources said Kissoondan had not visited any medical institution for minor injuries he received, but received treatment at home from his brother-in-law, Dr Bissoondath.

Police reported that Kissoondan’s hands and feet bore marks which suggested he had been bound for quite sometime during his 18 days of captivity. He was also blindfolded and was said to be unaware of how many kidnappers were holding him. Police said they believed Kissoondan was kept in Chaguanas by a man who is well known to the police. Contacted at Kissoondan’s home for comment yesterday, ASP Henry Millington who heads operations at AKS said: “Kissoondan is unwilling to speak to the media. He appears to be in good health although he has not eaten or slept properly in the last 18 days.” Kissoondan, 35, owner of Auto House, a foreign used car dealership, was kidnapped while driving into the yard of his sprawling mansion around 7.30 pm on February 23.

According to police, a gold Nissan Sentra pulled alongside and a man masked in a bandanna pointed a gun at Kissoondan’s head. A shot was fired into the air and the assailant dragged the victim into the Sentra and sped off. Within the first week of  his abduction, the kidnappers made several ransom demands, first for $1 million,  $200,000, and then $3 million.  Last weekend, during a roadblock, police reportedly held three men in connection with the kidnapping. Kissoondan’s 18-day abduction is said to be the longest which ended with the victim being released alive.