Rescued kidnap victim Maria Dass-Supersad and her husband Vikash Supersad are hurt and disappointed at the “damaging speculation” over the reasons behind the kidnapping made by some people on social media.
In a statement released by Supersad yesterday, he said allegations made against them just “added significantly to our pain but we are secure in the knowledge that both families, going back generations, have worked long and hard to raise strong, loving, educated and law-abiding young people.”
“Unfortunately, some people used social media to speculate unpleasantly and without justification about alleged backgrounds to this traumatising experience,” Supersad said.
He, however, noted that their families are currently praying for the people behind the horrid comments and also for “the healing of all who have been affected by this event, which has the potential to shatter our lives. We will not let it do so.”
While extending thanks to all who have supported them through prayers and words of encouragement through their ordeal on Wednesday, Supersad requested “privacy at this time as we seek to heal.”
He also extended his deepest gratitude to Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith and the T&T Police Service for the work they did in the successful rescue of his wife.
“We are grateful beyond measure. Maria and I would also like to thank the many friends, colleagues and family who turned up at the campus and at the various family homes to show their love and support during this terrifying experience,” Supersad said.
“Thousands of persons both within and outside the country also joined our families in praying for Maria’s safe return. Many came to our homes to pray with us. Our families are deeply grateful for those prayers, which came from all denominations.”
Supersad said he also believes social media did push in helping police with tips that added to the successful extraction.
“The families would also like to thank those who reached out by phone, texts and social media to express their concern and support, and to all those who shared Maria’s photo so that the national community could help us in finding her as quickly as possible. Many of you also took to social media to share your prayers and concerns,” Supersad said.
The Sunday Guardian understands that up to last night both suspects, who are said to be in their 20s and from Diego Martin, were still being interrogated by investigating officers. An official statement has also been taken from Dass, who police described as “very detailed, helpful and sensitive.”
Dass, who is currently assigned to The UWI’s Institute of International Advancement, was said to be on her way to pick up her daughter when she was kidnapped by two men near the university’s North Gate at about 3.07 pm on Wednesday. Dass was rescued by police from a house at Caura, Tunapuna, hours later and two suspects, who were still in police and army clothing, detained and two loaded firearms recovered.
Dass told relatives she remembered trekking several miles up a mountain, believed to be heavily forested.
Investigations are continuing.