Kidnapped man found dead

FIVE days of tearful, fervent and constant prayers by a Claxton Bay family for the safe release of their kidnapped relative, businessman Vernon Roopnarine, went unanswered when a body found yesterday dumped at the bottom of a Petit Valley precipice was positively identified as Roopnarine. Screams and cries of agony rent the air at the house of mourning in Sum Sum Hill yesterday when relatives broke the news to an ill Shafira that her husband’s body was found. When Newsday visited the victim’s home yesterday to speak to grieving relatives, we were told to come back later, since Roopna-rine’s wife of 33 years had taken the news of her husband’s death very badly and was not in any condition to speak to the media. Roopnarine, 56, the proprietor of Refinery and Industrial Fabricators Limited at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, was snatched around 9.30 pm last Thursday outside his home in the presence of his 20-year-old daughter, Nathalia. Two days later, a $3 million ransom demand was made for his safe release.

According to reports, the kidnapping came after several prank calls were made to the family. Police sources said relatives were unable to come up with the ransom money, prompting the kidnappers to threaten Roopnarine’s life if the ransom was not paid. They eventually made good on their threats. Yesterday around 5 am, a passerby was alerted to a foul stench emanating from the bottom of a precipice in an area known as “the spring.” A check was made and Roopnarine’s body, bound and gagged, was found. Officers of the Four Roads Police Station as well as homicide officers and officers of the Crime Scenes Unit were called in. The body was later viewed by Dr Chai Hong and ordered removed to the Forensic Sciences Centre. An initial check revealed that the body may have been dumped at the site about 48 hours before the discovery as the body displayed signs of early decomposition. Police investigators believe that Roopnarine was killed elsewhere and his body dumped at Morne Coco Road.  Investigators who visited the scene told Newsday they suspect the man may have been strangled. An autopsy will be carried out today.

Police officers investigating the kidnapping and murder of Roopnarine said yesterday that they are exploring a drug link to his death. Investigators explained that they are working on information that a relative close to Roopnarine may be involved in the illicit drug trade. They feel that Roopnarine was kidnapped and murdered to send a message to the relative. While reporters spoke briefly with a female friend of the dead man’s family at the house of mourning where several persons had gathered, cries were heard from the upstairs section of the house. The female friend said Roopnarine’s wife, who is diabetic, did not take the news “too well” and that she (Shafira Roopnarine) was “only fainting.” Up to late yesterday, no arrests had been made. Couva police and Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) officers are continuing investigations into the kidnapping while Western Division police are probing Roopnarine’s murder.