Cunupia teen freed

Rattan’s relative picked him up under the Freeport Flyover in Freeport shortly after 3 am yesterday.

He was treated by a doctor at a private institution and was allowed to return home.

When Newsday visited Rattan’s home yesterday, he was resting but his uncle Samraj Dave Rattan told Newsday that everyone was relieved now that Avinash was back at home. He confirmed that relatives had paid a ransom to secure Avinash’s release.

When Avinash was found under the Freeport Flyover early yesterday, he was still in shock but appeared to be in good health.

He told relatives that after being kidnapped on Thursday night, he was blindfolded and taken to a house.

He also revealed that he was moved to bushes and kept under a tent.

He said he remained blindfolded but was fed fried chicken and chips and Chinese-styled chicken.

He was also given water to drink. When Avinash was kidnapped, a $3 million ransom was demanded for his release.

Relatives secured the services of a private security firm to assist in finding Avinash.

Officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad assisted the relatives in negotiating with the kidnappers to get the ransom drastically reduced.

The Rattan family said yesterday that the kidnapping had left them stressed out, but they were happy to have Avinash at back home.

The business operations at the Cunupia hardware also resumed yesterday.

Officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad are investigating.