RADHICA DE SILVA
Senior Multimedia Reporter
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A late-night police operation led to the arrest of a woman and her teenage son after they allegedly kept Sabita Basdeo, a mother of two, against her will for months, beating her and threatening to kill her whenever she tried to leave to see her family.
Basdeo, visibly bruised and shaken, broke free and ran to Cpl Lee Lum and PC Ramsarran shortly after arriving at the Barrackpore Police Station with the two suspects on Saturday night, bringing an end to what investigators described as a case of false imprisonment and modern-day slavery.
Police said Basdeo had injuries to her face and hands. When questioned, she told officers the wounds had been inflicted by the two individuals who accompanied her.
She told officers that between September 2025 and April 2026, she was forced to perform domestic duties while being prevented from leaving. During that period, she alleged she was beaten, had her head slammed against a wall, was burned about the body and subjected to other forms of abuse, including threats that she would be killed if she tried to escape.
The rescue followed a chain of events triggered by Vice President of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society, Edward Moodie, who said he became aware of Basdeo’s situation after seeing her in a viral video circulating on social media.
The video also showed another incident involving an elderly man who had also been beaten by the suspects.
Moodie said he later contacted Basdeo’s family and met with her husband and two sons. One of her sons said that when he previously tried to visit his mother, he was assaulted and chased away.
“My mother has been there for years now,” the teenager said. “They promised her a job, but when she went, they kept her there and never wanted to send her back home.”
The boy added that he and his sibling were beaten when they attempted to see their mother and claimed the suspects threatened to harm her if she tried to leave.
“I feel sad… I miss my mother,” he said.
Upon receiving the information, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro mobilised a team of officers, including members of the Barrackpore Police Station and the Southern Division Task Force, to locate Basdeo. Searches were carried out at several locations, but she was not found at the time.
Hours later, in an unexpected turn, the woman and her son walked into the police station with Basdeo between them. As officers approached, Basdeo broke free and sought help.
The suspects were immediately detained, cautioned and informed of their rights.
Guevarro praised the role of public cooperation in the rescue.
“I am thankful for the person who brought this to my attention… The nation can use this as another example of how citizens and police can work together,” he said.
Basdeo was taken for medical treatment by WPC James-Ragoonanan and later referred for further examination. She has also been offered support through the Victim and Witness Support Unit.
Statements have been recorded from her relatives as investigations continue.
Several charges, including false imprisonment, are expected to be laid.
