By Blessing Nweke
Australian police have charged two men over the alleged kidnap and murder of 85-year-old Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian, in what authorities believe was a case of mistaken identity.
Mr Baghsarian, a widower, was forcibly taken from his home in North Ryde in the early hours of 13 February. Police allege several men stormed the property before bundling him into an SUV and fleeing the scene.
On Wednesday, Gerard Andrews, 29, and Daniel Stevens, 24, were arrested and charged with alleged kidnap and murder. Both men were refused bail and were scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Investigators said the pair were previously known to authorities for minor matters and indicated further arrests were likely as inquiries continue.
Police allege Mr Baghsarian was not the intended target of the attack. Local media have reported the operation may have been aimed at a family believed to have links to organised crime. Authorities said they were “a million percent confident” the grandfather and his relatives had no such connections.
Human remains discovered near a golf course on Sydney’s outskirts earlier this week have been formally identified as belonging to Mr Baghsarian following forensic testing. Detectives said the discovery followed investigations involving two burnt-out cars and a raid on an abandoned property in Dural, which led officers to Pitt Town.
During Wednesday’s arrests, police seized vehicles, electronic devices and clothing for forensic examination.
Mr Baghsarian’s family welcomed news of the charges and asked for privacy. In earlier statements, they described the ordeal as a “surreal nightmare,” saying they were struggling to comprehend how they had been caught up in events unrelated to them.
An autopsy is expected to determine the official cause of death. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Original article
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