Investigators probing the allegations of rape against Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, yesterday accompanied the complainant on a visit to the property where the crime purportedly occurred.
Dharamlall’s attorney, Nigel Hughes, told Stabroek News that the visit to his house was made after investigators requested to search the property which was done in the presence of the complainant. During the visit by law enforcement officers, Dharamlall stood outside of the premises.
As instructed by the police, the Member of Parliament returned yesterday at 8.30 am to the Brickdam Police Station and during his time there, investigators informed him that they wished to conduct a search of his property, Hughes related.
The attorney added that after the police and the complainant completed their inspection of the property they departed.
During the course of the investigation yesterday, Dharamlall’s driver also provided police with a statement.
The Minister was arrested on Monday evening after he presented himself in the company of his attorney. Hughes related that the allegations were put to Dharamlall and he exercised his right to remain silent.
At approximately 6.30 pm on Monday, he surrendered himself in the company of his attorney and remained at the Brickdam Station until 10.15 pm. Hughes yesterday told Stabroek News that it is unclear why the minister was detained for hours. However, the investigating officer indicated that he was awaiting directions from his superiors.
A brief statement issued by the police following the arrest on Monday evening stated that the Minister was arrested after being told of the allegation made against him.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum when contacted for an update last night would only say, “Investi-gations are continuing.”
Asked if charges are pending, Hughes told Stabroek News that that was not yet indicated by the police.
Dharamlall has not made any public statement on the allegation.
His arrest came a day after President Irfaan Ali approved his request to proceed on administrative leave paving the way for a probe. On Monday morning, Dharamlall through his attorney said that he is prepared to “assist in a full investigation” of misconduct allegations against him.
The allegations which first surfaced on social media last week attracted the attention of the Guyana Police Force and the Child Care and Protection Agency.
The complainant is in the care of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) of the Ministry of Human Services and officers and a forensic interview was conducted with her.
A report is to be compiled and forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice on the way forward.
Resign
Sections of civil society and the opposition have been applying pressure to Dharamlall and the government calling for his resignation from office and as a Member of Parliament.
“He should do the honourable thing and resign. We will amplify this call because he has insulted even female Members of Parliament… he should resign,” APNU+AFC Chief Whip Christopher Jones on Monday told Stabroek News.
According to him, the behaviour of the member is unbecoming and unprofessional.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Public Secu-rity, Khemraj Ramjattan, opined that Dharamlall should be immediately dismissed from his post.
“It is not that we are saying that he got a presumption of innocence, that is for his criminal trial. At this stage, at the political level, such a fellah with these serious allegations and all the attempts he made, he should ensure he step out of cabinet and parliament,” Ramjattan said.
