Five of the nine people detained for questioning in connection with the kidnapping for ransom of Narine Maraj, 61 and his wife, Deokie Mattie Maraj, 52 have been released.
Up to press time, only four people remained in police custody as investigations were said to be ongoing.
The couple was taken from their home at gunpoint by five men at about 5:50 pm last Saturday and a ransom of $2 million was demanded for their release.
The couple’s silver Ford Focus was also taken by the kidnappers.
According to a release issued by the T&T Police Service, a coordinated approach was adopted by investigators under the supervision of Acting Commissioner of Police Mc Donald Jacob and the extensive investigations included officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Eastern Division Task Force, the Northern Division Task Force, the Special Operations Response Team, Operations and Intelligence, Canine Branch, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, the Special Investigations Unit and the Air Support Unit.
Several operations were coordinated and conducted between the period January 8 to January 11 in the Cumaca Forest and environs, which resulted in both Maraj and his wife being secured on January 9 and January 11 respectively. The couple’s vehicle was also recovered.
The nine suspects initially detained ages 16 to 50 are from the Northern and Eastern Divisions. Jacob commended the dedicated and professional work of the officers involved in the investigation in ensuring the safe return of the victims.
He noted the synergising of efforts among the various law enforcement bodies, played a pivotal role in the success of these investigations, as well as during investigations into previous incidents of kidnapping, where victims were returned safely to their families.
Reporter: Rhondor Dowlat
