Top Cop Clifton Hicken yesterday said that the police force is still to receive feedback from the DPP on the file it submitted on the rape allegation against Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall.
“When we have heard back from the DPP, we will send out something. We will keep the press apprised with what is going”, Hicken told Stabroek News.
The Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has had the police file since Thursday and up to Sunday its Head, Shalimar Ali-Hack said that at the appropriate time the public will be notified of her advice on the matter.
Meanwhile, Hughes, Fields and Stoby, which represents Dharamlall has written to the DPP challenging aspects of the case.
Attorney at law, Nigel Hughes yesterday told Stabroek News “I have written to her twice about matters of interest to my client but have not received an update. She has acknowledged receipt of my letters. I have not received an update”.
When questioned as to what the letter may have been in relation to, Hughes said that it was based on information which contradicts the complaint.
“In the course of the investigation into Mr Dharamlall, lawyers of Mr Dharamlall wrote to the DPP. I can disclose that, I rather not disclose as to what we wrote about. It is directly relating to investigation and evidence that we believe contradicts the evidence of the complaint.”
Hughes added that what has been written about will not be publicly known given the gravity of the matter and that the firm is expecting that based on what is presented the DPP will act.
“This is a minor, this is sexual offence. The Caribbean Court of Justice has recently gone out of its way to indicate that one needs to be respectful to all the parties involved. So, I don’t wish to disclose publicly what the evidence we wrote to her about that contradicts the complaint …”, he said.
He maintained that this is not about information being shared online but evidential matters.
Dharamlall was arrested on June 19 and released later that night on $1m bail.
A brief statement issued by the police following his arrest said that the Minister was arrested after being told of the allegation made against him.
His arrest came a day after President Irfaan Ali approved his request to proceed on administrative leave to pave the way for a probe. The President has been criticised for not taking decisive action against Dharamlall given the seriousness of the allegation against him.
On June 19, Dharamlall through his attorney said he is prepared to “assist in a full investigation” of misconduct allegations against him.
The allegations which first surfaced on social media two weeks ago attracted the attention of the Guyana Police Force and the Child Care and Protection Agency. (Joseph Allen)
