Cops examine motives in store owner's death

The Central Police say they are investigating the possibility that Thursday's murder of a businessman in downtown Kingston, was linked to the rampant extortion scheme being carried out in the business district.

Lavanish Anand, 35, of a Long Mountain Country Club, Kingston 6 address, was shot dead as he and some employees were in the process of closing down his store. The alleged shooter and three other persons were also injured during the shooting.

A senior police source told THE STAR that the possibility that Anand was killed because he failed to pay over extortion money is being strongly examined. The source said other leads, including the possibility that the businessman was killed because of some professional relationships that turned sour, is also being looked at.

THE STAR was told that Anand, who operated other businesses on King Street, had only recently opened the store where he was killed. The police source said Anand had generally failed to give in to the demand of extortionists.

Reports are that about 5:50 p.m., Anand and employees were locking up his store when they were attacked by a man armed with a gun. The gunman immediately opened fire hitting Anand and three others.

Police officers working in the area heard the gunshots and responded. They saw a man running from the scene with a gun in his hand. He was accosted along Church Street and he reportedly fired at the officers. The fire was returned and the man was shot and injured. The injured gunman has been admitted in hospital under police guard.

A Ruger 9mm pistol, serial number 31204891, was taken from him. All five persons were taken to hospital where Anand was pronounced dead. Two men, ages, 19 and 22 were treated and released and a 60-year-old woman admitted in stable condition.

The Central CIB is investigating.