A van appears to swerve toward a dog, strikes it, and the animal runs off crying in pain. Now social media users say they have identified the man connected to the vehicle — and one major question remains: why?
A disturbing video circulating on social media has sparked outrage after a van appears to swerve in the direction of a dog before striking the animal in Tunapuna.
The footage, which social media users say was recorded in Tunapuna on Saturday, shows the dog near the roadway as the van approaches.
The vehicle then appears to change direction toward the dog and strikes it. Immediately afterwards, the animal can be seen running away while audibly crying out.
The apparent movement of the van has intensified public concern, with viewers questioning why the vehicle moved in the direction of the animal and whether the collision could have been avoided.
Following the circulation of the video, several persons on social media have identified a man they claim is connected to the vehicle.
Information subsequently sent to TrinGlobe identified the man as Naresh Ramdeen, also known as “Fox,” who is said to be a farmer and the owner of the vehicle.
Persons online have also alleged that Ramdeen was the person driving the van.
However, TrinGlobe has not independently confirmed that Ramdeen was behind the wheel at the precise time of the incident. His alleged involvement as the driver is therefore being reported as a claim circulating on social media and not as an independently established fact.
What can be examined is the footage itself.
The video appears to show the van changing direction toward the dog before contact is made. The animal then runs away crying after being struck.
That raises several serious questions.
Why did the vehicle appear to swerve toward the dog? Did the driver see the animal? Was there another reason for the vehicle’s movement? Why did the vehicle appear to continue after the collision?
Those questions deserve answers.
TrinGlobe is inviting Ramdeen, or whoever was driving the vehicle at the time, to contact us and provide their account of what occurred.
If there is another explanation for what is captured in the video, the person behind the wheel should be given an opportunity to provide it.
At the same time, the circulation of someone’s identity online should not become an invitation for threats, harassment or abuse. Determining who was driving and establishing their intentions require evidence beyond social-media allegations.
The incident itself, however, has understandably generated serious concern about the treatment and protection of animals.
The footage shows the disturbing moment the dog was struck. What it does not establish is why the driver apparently moved toward the animal. That is the question many now want answered.
