Search continues for businessman’s father after kidnapping
The Valsayn residence of kidnapped pensioner Zahir Khan remained locked up yesterday, with only a watchman interfacing with the public from behind two locked gates even as police officers carried out extensive island-wide searches for the victim.
Still shaken by the kidnapping from the day before, the emotional guard told Guardian Media he had been instructed not to speak with any visitors, nor to accept or provide any information as to the family’s well-being at this time.
Police said 69-year-old Khan was grabbed by three men around 10.55 am on December 14, as he stood in the front yard of his home at Bamboo Settlement #1.
It was unclear if a ransom demand was received up to yesterday—as none had materialised up to 6.12 pm on Saturday.
In a video posted to social media shortly after the kidnapping, three men were seen running out from a black Tiida car just outside Khan’s open gateway. They were then seen grabbing and dragging him into the waiting car.
The video showed Khan being bundled into the backseat before the car sped off.
Khan is the father of the owner of the popular cellular phone and electronics business Cell 4 Less, which has branches at Grand Bazaar; Aboutique Mall in Port-of-Spain; Xtra Plaza in Aranguez; Centre City Mall in Chaguanas; and Trincity Mall.
In a brief statement on Saturday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Intelligence and Investigations, Suzette Martin assured the authorities had been working diligently and assiduously since the report had been received.
She urged members of the public who may have information about the kidnapping, to come forward and assist the authorities in the investigation.
She told Guardian Media, “I want to begin by assuring the public that the safety and well-being of the victims are our highest priority. Our officers, in collaboration with specialised units, have been working tirelessly to ensure a peaceful resolution.”
Martin’s statement which was issued at 6.12 pm on Saturday, added, “No ransom demand has been made to this time.”
“Finally, I want to reiterate that the safety of the victims remains our top priority. We will not rest until they are safe and the perpetrators are brought to justice. Our department is fully committed to addressing this matter with all necessary resources, and we will continue to provide updates as the situation develops,” Martin said.
Muslims call for action
Referring to Khan’s kidnapping and yesterday’s murder of Amina Mohammed during a home invasion as acts of barbarity, the head of the Waajihatul Islaamiyyah, Umar Abdullah yesterday said, “These heinous crimes signify a disturbing trend of lawlessness, greed, and disregard for human life.”
Indicating these should serve as a wake-up call for the Muslim community, Abdullah said, “These tragedies demand more than prayers and condemnation. They require action. The buck stops here. We, the Muslim Ummah, cannot remain idle spectators as criminals wreak havoc on our society. This is not just a fight against crime but a fight for the soul of our nation.”
‘We are so unsafe’
President of the National Muslim Women’s Organisation of T&T, Zenobia Mohammed denounced both incidents as she admitted, “It is a very close call to home.
“We are emotionally traumatised. It is horrific what has happened to two senior citizens, not because it is Muslim only. It seems as if our senior citizens are being targeted.”
Mohammed revealed the turmoil and unease Khan’s kidnapping and Mohammed’s murder had left the community feeling.
“We are so unsafe, insecure. The crime is escalating. It is now out of hand that they are now targeting simple people. These are two retirees…simple, humble, hard-working, honest human beings. Why did this have to happen?”
She begged those in authority, “We are asking our government please, look after our people.”
Mohammed said the association was praying for Khan’s safe release.
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