Two on trial for kidnapping
RAVI Kalipersad Maharaj, the son of a Central businessman, was allegedly kidnapped in 2002. Two men were arrested and charged with that kidnapping. They were later committed to stand trial. Several months ago, Maharaj was allegedly kidnapped again and has not been found. Yesterday, the two men, Hardath Solomon and Errol Williams, went on trial before Justice Herbert Volney in the Port-of-Spain First Criminal Court charged with kidnapping and false imprisonment. It is alleged that on September 5, 2002 at Chaguanas, the accused and other persons unlawfully and forcefully carried away Maharaj against his will. It is also alleged that between September 4 and 11, 2002 at Freeport, the accused and other persons unlawfully and injuriously kept Maharaj against his will. A jury of five women and four men, along with three alternates, was empanelled to hear the case. Three jurors whose names were called — Cheryl Mader, Mahadeo Basdeo, and Robert Goberdhan — were absent and were each fined $150 or three days of simple imprisonment. State attorneys Nalini Singh and Shoba Jamunar are prosecuting, while Wayne Sturge appears for Solomon, and Larry Williams for Errol Williams. After the jury was selected, Volney told the jurors that through the coverage in the media, it was reported that Maharaj was kidnapped again. The State, he added, had indicated that Maharaj would not be at the trial "unless he turns up at the 11th hour." Volney said the State has indicated that it would move ahead with a special procedure. He said the State will embark on a legal submission when hearing resumed this morning. He advised the jurors not to discuss the case with anyone. "If you have to discuss something, discuss how Dinesh Ramdin was selected on the West Indies team," the judge said as laughter erupted in the courtroom.
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"Two on trial for kidnapping"