Relatives pay $68,000 ransom

Kidnapped businessman Kenneth Kanhai who was snatched from his St Helena home one week ago, was released at Cunupia yesterday after a ransom of $68,000 was paid to kidnappers by relatives. Kanhai was released around 2 am. Newsday learnt that Kanhai, 42, appeared to be in good health but was taken to the home of a doctor where he was treated. Officers of the Anti Kidnapping Squad told Newsday that the ransom was paid without their knowledge. Shortly after Kanhai was kidnapped relatives received a call from a male kidnapper who asked for a large sum of money for the release of Kanhai.

Relatives negotiated with the kidnapper and the ransom was reduced to $68,000. The father of three was unavailable to be interviewed yesterday and relatives said that he was resting. They added that he was traumatised over being kidnapped a second time. On March 14, nine months ago Kanhai was kidnapped, shot and a ransom paid for his release. Around 10.30 pm last week Saturday Kanhai was standing close to his Lalsingh Street, St Helena home when he was confronted by two men. They shouted “we come for you.” When Kanhai saw the masked men he ran to the home of a relative where he pounded on the door shouting that bandits were after him. The kidnappers dragged Kanhai to a white Lancer and drove off. Up until yesterday there were 48 kidnappings for ransom as compared to 29 last year.