Moruga man key in Vijay kidnap

A Moruga man held in connection with the kidnapping of ten-year-old Vijay Persad turned out to be a main witness in the police investigations. The man gave the police a statement and was allowed to leave. Police were tight-lipped about any information provided by the witness for fear that his life or the life of Persad may be put at risk.

A senior officer told Newsday their investigations have reached a “sensitive juncture” and they did not want to do anything to jeopardise it. He said they are “hoping against hope” that the boy was alive. The officer said foreigners have been calling and offering prayers and support to the family. Meanwhile, Princes Town MP Subhas Panday and the Princes Town Regional Cor-poration will host an Ecumenical Service tomorrow at Vijay’s school — Robert Village Hindu Primary — to pray for his safe release.

Various religious leaders, among them Pastor Clive Dottin of the Seventh day Adventist Church, Dennis Williams of the Presbyterian Church, Pundit BP Maharaj and representatives of the other religious faiths and spiritual organisations, are expected to participate in the service. The service will begin at 4 pm at the school at Robert Village in Tableland. Vijay was snatched from his Indian Walk, Moruga home 30 days ago and a $500,000 ransom demand had been made. So far 16 suspects have been questioned and released. Acting Sgt Nazoor Hosein is continuing investigations.