Senior Reporter
Almost 24 hours after Shahnaaz Ali was abducted in Port-of-Spain on Friday, she was tearfully reunited with her family around 5 pm yesterday after being rescued by police officers in the Mayaro district.
Sporting bruised arms and swollen feet, the 31-year-old administrative assistant hobbled into the arms of her parents, relatives and friends who had kept vigil at her Diego Martin home since news of her disappearance was confirmed on July 3.
Relatives said Ali was found tied to a tree in the Mayaro district during the early hours of the morning yesterday.
She was abducted sometime after leaving her place of employment around 5 pm on Friday.
A close male relative confirmed her black-and-white Toyota Yaris Cross was found parked along Hart Street, Port-of-Spain, with her cellphone, laptop and purse locked inside.
They believe she was forced into another vehicle by two men who were allegedly being instructed by a third on where to take Ali.
Unable to say much else as to her ordeal and what unfolded after Ali was snatched, the relative said the family did not receive a ransom call from anyone during the 24 hours she had been missing.
“Thank God she is good,” he prayed.
Indicating Ali has suffered minor injuries and was treated at the Mayaro District Hospital, he said the trauma she had suffered would remain with her for a long time to come.
Family members and close friends flocked to Ali’s home yesterday, expressing relief and joy that she had been found alive. But they were tight-lipped as to the circumstances that had led to her disappearance.
Close relatives credited the quick response by the T&T Police Service (TTPS), as well as the Hunters Search and Rescue Group, for her safe return.
Ali was reported missing on July 3 after she failed to return home from work and calls to her cellphone went unanswered.
One woman dashed tears from her cheeks as she claimed Ali’s abduction was not an isolated incident, as Ali had previously reported threats to her safety.
Relatives claimed at least three suspects were being sought in connection with the abduction.
They declined to say much more, worried that too much information could cause the suspects who remain at large to flee Trinidad.
Investigations are continuing.
