The file relating to the rape accusation against Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall is to be returned to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) since the complainant has stated that she no longer wants to pursue the case.
This is according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who informed that the file will be forwarded to the DPP on Tuesday 4th July, 2023. A No Further Action statement was given by the 16-year-old complainant in the presence of a parent and officials last week.
“At this time, I am only able to confirm that the alleged victim has given a No Further Action statement to investigators in the presence of one of her parents and a representative from the Child Care Agency. The file is currently being prepared to be sent to the DPP for further legal advice,” Blanhum said.
The girl who is under the supervision of the Child Care and Protection Agency made her decision in the absence of any legal representation. It is alleged that during the course of the investigation, she was grilled for over a week and was even taken to the location where the incident was supposed to have occurred.
The response to the allegation has been widespread condemnation from civil society and the opposition. The latter has made strident calls for Dharamlall to resign from the National Assembly and be charged.
Following a police investigation a file was sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. After reviewing the file, the DPP returned it to the police with instructions to carry out more investigations. It was as this was underway that the No Further Action statement was made.
The rape allegation, said to have been contained in a letter to President Irfaan Ali by the complainant, was made public two weeks ago. Police subsequently launched an investigation and Dharamlall was later arrested. He was released on $1 million station bail some four hours after being arrested. Dharamlall has been on requested administrative leave since the investigation started.
