Pundits predict that kidnapped child will be released

Hindu priests yesterday assured the worried parents of three-year-old kidnap victim Brian Bedase, that their son would be returned to them by late yesterday or early today. The predictions from the  pundits provided temporary relief for the worried parents of the child who sat close to the telephone at their Tacarigua home, awaiting further word from the kidnappers. By 5 pm yesterday, the kidnappers had not telephoned the Bedase family. Deon Bedase, the kidnapped child’s father, told Newsday that he has not eaten or slept since his son was snatched on Monday night.

On Tuesday he received three calls from the kidnappers who asked for one million dollars for the safe release of the child. Deon told Newsday that he is not a rich man, and he is unable to get one million dollars. He pleaded with the kidnappers to release his child so that happiness could be restored in his house. Deon feels the people who snatched Brian had intended to leave his home with a lot of money, but when they realised that he did not have the cash they thought he had, they decided to snatch his son.

“I am worried, extremely worried, and all I want is to hug my son and forget that the entire thing happened.” Friends, relatives and neighbours of the Bedase family gathered at the house yesterday to lend support to the parents of the child. Several people prayed for Brian’s safe return. Around 7.15 pm on Monday, two men entered Deon Bedase’s home, tied him up, and then ordered his wife Yasmin at gunpoint to hand over cash and jewelry. She was also tied up and the gunmen then grabbed the child and escaped in waiting cars. Officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad said yesterday they have no leads in the abduction of the child. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the child has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS, or any police station.