Sascha Wilson
Penal businessman Michael Alejandro Espana Ramnath has been released by his captors after a ransom was paid, police confirmed.
Police did not disclose the amount paid or details surrounding his release, but confirmed that he was freed more than a week ago.
Ramnath, 34, operates Best Friends Burger Cart with his father along the S.S. Erin Road in Penal. He was abducted at 11 pm on February 3 while returning home.
He and his 65-year-old father had closed their business at 10:45 pm and left in separate vehicles. Ramnath was driving a grey Toyota Hilux and his father followed in a white Nissan Almera.
When they reached the Agricultural Centre along Ramjattan Trace at 11 pm, a white vehicle, with its make, model and registration number unknown, pulled in front of Ramnath’s vehicle and blocked his path.
Two men dressed in black and wearing masks exited the vehicle. One was armed with a firearm. They opened the driver’s door and forced Ramnath into their vehicle.
The gunman then approached his father, reportedly speaking in Spanish, and demanded money. Fearing for his life, the father handed over his wallet containing $4,000, the day’s sales.
The suspects sped off with Ramnath.
The father went to the Penal Police Station at 11:55 pm. Officers later conveyed both vehicles to the station as investigations continued.
In the days following the abduction, neighbours were reluctant to speak about the incident. One resident described it as a wake-up call for the community.
The resident said the neighbourhood was usually peaceful and admitted that he initially thought the report was a hoax. The presence of a heavy police contingent later confirmed the seriousness of the incident.
“It was shocking and a bit frightening,” the neighbour said, adding that residents are now more vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
Officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the South Western Division and the Southern Division are investigating.
