Kidnapped businessman recovers

Kidnapped San Fernando businessman Sooklal ‘Tarzan’ Ramroop, 71, was last evening recuperating from the ordeal in the care of relatives, police said.

The seven suspects, among them two women, detained in connection with the kidnapping remained in police custody as investigations continue. They are expected to be placed on various identification parades during the week.

On Thursday afternoon Ramroop informed relatives that he was going to his apartment building at Friendship Village, San Fernando, which was advertised for rent. Ramroop, of St John’s Village in San Fernando, met two then potential female tenants, now suspects, at about 3.30 pm. A man joined them outside the furnished apartment and together they forced the elderly man into a car which sped off.

Half-an-hour later relatives called his cellphone and when he failed to respond, his son-in-law visited the apartment and found that it was ransacked. Police said that an hour later, relatives received a telephone call from Ramroop’s captors who demanded $700,000 for his safe return. That ransom was not paid. A joint effort by police, soldiers, members of the K9 Unit and even a National Security helicopter led them to the Bayshore in Marabella the following day from around 2 pm. The law officers found him in some mangroves near to where he was being held captive.

His feet were loosely bound with a belt and his hands tied. Police transported him to the San Fernando General Hospital where he was treated and discharged.