One doctor is dead and another seriously injured after they were kidnapped by gunmen, who later crashed along the Solomon Hochoy Highway.
The deceased doctor has been identified as 38-year-old Rudradeva Sharma, of Sunset Ridge, San Fernando. He is the nephew of former Tourism Minister and former Fyzabad MP, Chandresh Sharma.
According to reports, the doctors—who are attached to the San Fernando General Hospital—got off duty at 10 pm Tuesday and were at the Scout House along Rushworth Street hanging out.
Around 4 am, three gunmen stormed the building, robbing the doctors of their cash, mobiles phone and the key to one of the doctor’s white Honda CRV SUV. The gunmen bundled the doctors in the trunk of the SUV and sped off. But upon reaching Macaulay, the driver lost control of the SUV, causing it to skid and flip several times. The doctors and the three gunmen were injured.
A patrolling Highway Patrol Unit came upon the crash and the occupants were all taken to the San Fernando General Hospital, where one of the doctors, Rudradeva Sharma, died. The gunmen are said to be in serious condition.
Guardian Media was told that hospital staff were struggling emotionally, especially those who have to treat the suspects.
Police initially thought it was only an accident but upon speaking with the surviving doctor, they learned of the terrifying ordeal.
One firearm was recovered near the crash site. Southern Division police, including Insp Coraspi, Sgt Williams, Cpl Bassarath and Cpl Dunkaree currently are investigating.
Snr Supt Wayne Mohammed has coordinated a search for the other weapons and police were along the highway up to 8.30 am today.
Guardian Media will provide more information as it comes to hand.
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Story by KEVON FELMINE