MP wants action on missing people

CHAGUANAS West MP Dinesh Rambally has called for urgent action with respect to the "persistent and growing issue in our society – the crisis of missing persons."

Rambally made this comment on August 4, after missing consultant Komal Maharaj was found on August 2.

Maharaj, 40, left his Felicity home around 11.30 am on July 19 to visit the Scotiabank ATM at the mall. Maharaj withdrew money around 12.30 pm and told his wife he was going to meet someone before returning. He was expected home around 2 pm.

Calls and messages to his phone went unanswered after that. Relatives later discovered his blue Hyundai Ioniq parked at the mall, untampered with. It is not clear whether he was taken against his will, but police said given the unusual circumstances, his disappearance was being treated "with the urgency and resources of a kidnapping."

A Facebook statement issued by his family said Maharaj was taken to Venezuela and released after an undisclosed sum of money was paid for his release.

"While the details of the entire ordeal cannot be made public at this time, due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, we can confirm that Komal was held captive in Venezuela," the statement said.

It added that his wife was able to communicate with Maharaj "under the watchful eyes of his captors."

"Maharaj (wife) engaged the assistance of the TT Police Service (TTPS).

"Under the TTPS' guidance, Komal's release was negotiated."

The statement said an undisclosed sum of money was paid for his "safe return."

It said Maharaj was dropped off at sea – close to TT southwestern peninsular where he was required to swim to shore.

"He swam to shore and found his way to a shop in Chatham, where he contacted his wife."

The statement said Maharaj was picked up by police who took him for a medical evaluation.

Maharaj was reunited with his family late on Friday evening where "He continues to heal and work with the TTPS on its investigation."

The statement ended, "We are grateful for the prayers and support that brought Komal back safely.

The statement added that the family prays that Maharaj heals from the trauma he experienced and could resume his life with a degree of normalcy.

In a Facebook post on August 2, Rambally happy that Maharaj was reunited with his family.

He hoped there would be a thorough investigation into his disappearance and those responsible would be held accountable.

Sources said Maharaj was recuperating from his ordeal and his family was overjoyed to have him back.

Police investigations are ongoing.

In a statement on August 4, Rambally said, "Whatever the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Komal Maharaj , it has been a stark reminder of the fear and uncertainty faced by families when a loved one goes missing."

He added, "We must act now to ensure that every missing person is found and reunited with their families. I call on all citizens, law enforcement, and government agencies to come together in this effort."

Rambally said information in the public domain suggests that between January 2018 and December 19, 2023, 4,546 people were reported missing, with 595 individuals still unaccounted for.

He noted efforts by the Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT) to find missing people.

"Their data for 2023 showed that 482 people were reported missing, with 424 found and 58 still unaccounted for."

Rambally said, "This underscores the need for continuous and concerted efforts to address this issue."