The brother of Ria Sookdeo, who was abducted in 2016, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital on Sunday 14th May, 2023, after he was shot in Philippines, San Fernando on Friday 12th May, 2023.
• The deceased was identified as 44-year-old Richard Rajkumar.
• At around 4:15pm, Richard spoke to a customer in front of his business place Richard and Sons, a garage along Sir Lamond Avenue, Philippines, when a black Nissan Tiida pulled up.
• The front-seat passenger exited the vehicle and fired several shots at Richard before re-entering the vehicle and fleeing the scene.
• Richard sustained multiple gunshot injuries and his uncle who was nearby, subsequently took him to the San Fernando general hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery; however, he succumbed to his injuries two days later.
His sister, Ria Sookdeo was abducted seven (7) years ago on September 22nd, 2016.
• At around 8 am, Ria left her home in Debe and dropped off her children at the Picton Presbyterian School along Papourie Road, Diamond Village, San Fernando.
• Ria was a hairstylist who worked from home and was expected to return to her business to start her day’s work.
• While following her routine of driving up to the Picton Estate Drive to turn around, a heavily tinted black Nissan X-trail pulled up behind her.
• Two men, allegedly dressed in tactical gear got out, pulled her out of her SUV, forced her into their vehicle and drove off.
• An eyewitness immediately contacted the San Fernando police and an all-points bulletin was issued.
