Search continues for kidnapped brothers

A massive exercise in Valencia area yesterday by police in search of kidnapped Sangre Grande brothers, Richard and Ronald Nath turned up nothing. The exercise was coordinated by Sen Supt Ruthvan Bastein and members of the Anti Kidnapping Squad between the hours of 3pm and 4pm. The entire Valencia district was cordoned off with traffic coming to a halt as  searches were made at various housing districts, quarrying establishments owned by members of a fundamental religious organisation, forested and other areas. Ronald 38, and Richard, 41, owner of Nath Furniture Store on the Eastern Main Road, Sangre Grande were kidnapped on  June 28. A US$2 million ranson was demanded for their release.

Prior to the exercise, members of the Sangre Grande Chamber of Commerce met with MP for the area, Roger Boynes, the chairman of Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, Ronald Boynes, Sen Supt Bastein and Mervyn Richardson, assistant director, Special Anti- Crime Unit of TT (SAUTT). They discussed the rise of crime in the eastern rural community and the means of stopping or reducing it. Several plans were agreed to, however, none was made public.  A total of 94 persons have been reported kidnapped so far for the year. In 31 cases the kidnappers sought ransom.