[UPDATED] Missing Rio Claro girls found in abandoned house

THE disappearance of three girls on Tuesday, which triggered a major search in the Rio Claro district, ended on Wedneday evening with captain Vallence Rambharat of the Hunters Search and Rescue, confirming via a post on social media, that the three girls had been found.

"So, good evening from De Mallac Street in Rio Claro, a couple minutes ago, the three teenaged girls who went mssing last evening they were found in a house right next to the house where they went missing.

"We are not sure of the circumstances and we are not sure in what condition they were, but they were taken to the Rio Claro police stationn. This is just an update and we await confirmation on their health and if it is they were there (at the house where the girls were found) all the time or something else would have happened," said Rambharath in the video.

Earlier on Wednesday, even as searches were continuing for Kareena Baball, 17, her sister Kashmira Baball, 12, both of De Mallac Street off Guayaguayare Road, and their cousin Akeila Maniram, 13, of Navet Village, Newsday visited their worried relatives.

The youngest of the three is a Standard Five student at the Rio Claro Hindu primary school, while Kareena and Akeila attend the Rio Claro East Secondary School. Kareena is in Form Five, while Akiela is in Form One.

They were last seen at the Baball family home in Rio Claro at 5.45 pm on April 2.

On April 3 at Baball's home, scores of relatives, villagers, teachers, Eastern Division and police from specialised units gathered.

People, including the NGO Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT) led by Rambharat, were searching forested areas in the pouring rain hoping to find the girls. Police sources also confirmed on Wednesday night, that the three were found. Sources said the three were found shortly after 8 pm in an abandoned house near to the sisters' home. The three appeared to be in good health, although police sources said, the three would be taken to a medical institution for a medical examination out of an abundance of caution.

Editor's Note: This is an update to an earlier story which can be read below.

A search was under way up to the morning of March 3 for three teenage girls from Rio Claro who went missing on March 2.

They are sisters Kareema Baball, 17, and Kashmera Baball, 13, of Guayaguayare Road and their cousin Akeilla Maniram, 13, of Navet Village.

They reportedly left their grandmother's home at De Malliac Street, Rio Claro, at 5.45 pm on March 2, but never showed up at their homes.

Worried relatives later alerted the NGO Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT), led by captain Vallance Rambarat, and Rio Claro police.

On March 3, Mayaro MP Rushton Paray called on the community to unite and support the Babal and Maniram families.

A media statement said the families were gripped with worry and apprehension as they await news on the whereabouts of the three girls.

"The distressing news broke yesterday afternoon when all three girls were reported missing. As a father of three daughters myself, I share a deep concern for the safety and well-being of these young ladies," Paray said.

"The anguish and uncertainty experienced by their families are unimaginable, and our hearts go out to them during this difficult time."

The Opposition MP said he hoped the police were mobilising all available resources and employing every possible avenue to find and ensure the girls' safe return.

"In times like these, our community of Rio Claro must unite in solidarity and vigilance, extending support to the families affected and aiding the authorities in their efforts to bring these young girls home safely," he added.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts can call the Rio Claro police station at 644- 2332 or the nearest police station.

People can also call the police at 555, 999, Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477) or HRST at 799-1453.

This story was originally published with the title "Search under way for 3 missing Rio Claro girls" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

A search was under way up to the morning of April 3 for three teenage girls from Rio Claro who went missing on April 2.

They are sisters Kareema Baball, 17, and Kashmera Baball, 13, of Guayaguayare Road and their cousin Akeilla Maniram, 13, of Navet Village.

They reportedly left their grandmother's home at De Malliac Street, Rio Claro, at 5.45 pm on April 2, but never showed up at their homes.

Worried relatives later alerted the NGO Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT), led by captain Vallance Rambarat, and Rio Claro police.

On April 3, Mayaro MP Rushton Paray called on the community to unite and support the Babal and Maniram families.

A media statement said the families were gripped with worry and apprehension as they await news on the whereabouts of the three girls.

"The distressing news broke yesterday afternoon when all three girls were reported missing. As a father of three daughters myself, I share a deep concern for the safety and well-being of these young ladies," Paray said.

"The anguish and uncertainty experienced by their families are unimaginable, and our hearts go out to them during this difficult time."

The Opposition MP said he hoped the police were mobilising all available resources and employing every possible avenue to find and ensure the girls' safe return.

"In times like these, our community of Rio Claro must unite in solidarity and vigilance, extending support to the families affected and aiding the authorities in their efforts to bring these young girls home safely," he added.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts can call the Rio Claro police station at 644- 2332 or the nearest police station.

People can also call the police at 555, 999, Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477) or HRST at 799-1453.