Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Police are investigating a ransom demand, following the kidnapping of Penal businessman Michael Alejandro Espana Ramnath, popularly known as “Spanish,” as his relatives remain fearful for his life.
Ramnath, 34, who operates the Best Friends Burger outlet at Ramjattan Trace, Penal, was reported missing following a late-night robbery on Tuesday. Police confirmed that the kidnappers have issued an undisclosed ransom demand and have allegedly threatened to dismember Ramnath if the money is not paid by the end of the week.
Relatives of the businessman have declined to speak with the media, citing fears for his safety. Investigators said the family has been hoping for proof of life since the incident.
The abductors are believed to be Venezuelan nationals, as they reportedly spoke Spanish during communications linked to the kidnapping. Police also noted that Ramnath’s father is Venezuelan.
Investigators said the incident occurred around 11 pm along Ramjattan Trace, near the Penal Agricultural Centre, shortly after Ramnath closed his business and was driving home.
Police said Ramnath was reportedly wearing a black polo shirt with the words “Best Friends Burgers” printed on it, along with dark jeans and slippers, and was driving his pickup when a vehicle blocked his path.
Officers believe two masked men dressed in black exited one of the vehicles, one of whom was armed with a firearm. Ramnath was dragged from his vehicle and taken away in the suspects’ car, which sped along the SS Erin Road.
Officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, along with detectives and crime scene investigators, responded to the scene. Police later recovered both vehicles involved, and forensic teams lifted fingerprints as part of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information on Ramnath’s whereabouts is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS.
