By LAUREL V WILLIAMS Friday, August 28 2009

AN elderly San Fernando businessman is feared kidnapped and/or even murdered after he went missing on Wednesday morning on a routine trip to feed his dogs in Duncan Village, San Fernando.

But while the whereabouts of 72-year-old Eric Sooklal is still unknown, his 4x4 Hilux vehicle was found abandoned yesterday in a track off the M2 Ring Road, Debe. The inside of the vehicle was partially burnt, police sources said.

According to police investigators Sooklal of Roberts Road, Philippines, left home at about 7.30 am on Wednesday to go to SS Erin Road, Duncan Village to feed the dogs near his business place.

Sooklal owns the building in which several businesses, including Samaroo’s Limited, are located.

Police investigators added that attempts by family members to contact Sooklal on his mobile phone proved unsuccessful. They then filed a missing person report.

At his home yesterday relatives refused to speak to media personnel as well as at the scene where the vehicle was recovered. They gave the reason of not wanting to jeopardise the police investigation.

Police said that no ransom demands were made up to late yesterday.

Officers from the San Fernando and Barrackpore Police Stations were seen searching for evidence on the M2 Ring Road as sad-looking relatives watched on.

Newsday learnt that the Anti-Kidnapping Squad was called in and despite a search in the area, Sooklal was not found.

Investigations are continuing.