Regional Commander of Region Six Jairam Ramlakhan has transferred the station sergeant of the Mibicuri Police Station after charges laid against a regional councillor and a businessman for violating the COVID restrictions were struck out after the police file did not reach the court.
On Sunday, Pandit Dave Sahadeo, who sits as a regional councillor for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic in Region Six and a Black Bush Polder businessman, Ravi Jainarine, were arrested for allegedly breaching the COVID-19 guidelines.
The businessman was hosting hundreds at his home for the wedding of his only daughter and the ceremony was being presided over by the Pandit. However, police showed up at the location, where the wedding was stopped and the two men were arrested.
Commander Ramlakhan last evening told Stabroek News that the two men were expected to appear at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on Monday since the same magistrate presides at both the Springlands and the Mibicuri courts.
However, when the two men arrived and pleaded guilty to the charges, it was discovered that the police’s file was not present. As a result, the magistrate struck out the matter.
The Commander has since transferred the station sergeant, whom he said was responsible for ensuring that the file was handed over to the police prosecutor, to the Sisters Police Station, while the Office of Professional Responsibility in the region is conducting an investigation.
According to a source, the file was last in the possession of a Lance Corporal.
Ramlakhan stressed, that strong disciplinary actions will be taken against those found responsible for the file failing to be present in court for the matter.
Meanwhile, the Commander also noted that they are looking at refiling the charges against the Pandit and the Black Bush Polder man.
