Since CI Prem Raddhoa was recalled from the SMF garage - where he had been pushed aside following alleged police brutality in the Maigrot and Desmarais cases - rehabilitated and promoted to Superintendent and head of the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), his comeback has been diversely commented upon. On the one hand, there were those confident that pending cases would be solved with the arrival of the “star cop”; but on the other, people were scared to see someone linked to so many cases of alleged abuse of suspects return with even more power and flashiness than before… With the recent death of Rajesh Ramlogun in MCIT custody, more questions have been raised. Are we ready to see cases solved at any cost?

Soon after his appointment as MCIT head, Prem Raddhoa re-opened a certain number of unsolved crimes and some have been brought to a successful conclusion. The case of Ooma Ujoodha, whose remains were found in a latrine pit at the back of her house, is proof that the Raddhoa method can bear fruit. But, in this case, as in all cases solved by the SP, the solution was found thanks to confessions and not evidence… This should force the public to ask themselves a few questions. Are there real victims of police brutality or are rumours about Raddhoa so terrifying that suspects prefer to come clean before being eventually brutalised and labelled as “new victims”?

After Rajesh Ramlogun died in police custody as suspect in the murders of Indira and Geeta Jhurry, three investigations have been launched to try and shed light on his death. The Ramlogun case is expected to give some insight into police questioning methods.

Now that forensic scientist Dr Gungadin has clearly stated that the death was caused by “intracranial haemorrhage of traumatic nature” – and his retired colleague Dr Gajjalu has confirmed that the haemorrhage was most probably due to a violent blow on the head – investigations will have to say from whom or what Ramlogun received such a violent blow.

Golden opportunity for complete reform

As soon as the suspect died, a police enquiry began into the circumstances of his death in police custody. Seven MCIT officers who had been in contact with him between 12th and 14th January have been provisionally charged with murder. They have so far denied that they used violent means when questioning the suspect. But entries by two other police officers in the diary book that suggest that Ramlogun had marks on his face when he came back from the questioning session could be dangerous for them. The conclusions of the police enquiry by the Central Criminal Investigation Division (CCID) will be given to the Director of public prosecution (DPP) who will then take the necessary steps.

This investigation also led judge Mootoo to issue a warrant of arrest against SP Raddhoa, which was then cancelled. But, on the day the warrant was issued, the controversial SP commented upon the judge’s decision on a private radio. As a result, the magistrate has asked for an enquiry to establish whether Raddhoa can be accused of contempt of court.

A few days after Ramlogun’s death, the DPP also ordered a judicial enquiry as he wants to make sure that the prosecution has enough evidence to support the accusations. The hearings started at the end of last week in public to limit the possibility of a ‘cover-up’.

Finally, the Human Rights Commission has also started an independent enquiry following a complaint by Ramlogun’s widow. The commission will transmit its conclusions to the DPP.

The shocking death of suspect should not however hide the issue of the brutal murder of two old ladies – but it should be seized as a golden opportunity to reform and reorganise the police and judicial departments. SP Raddhoa is still in post and continues to lead criminal enquiries – apart from the Lallmatie murders. This case has been transferred to the CCID.

As long as the ongoing investigations have not clearly established the identities of those to be blamed for Ramlogun’s death, the presumption of innocence holds. There is a need to clear the profession of its possible black sheep but the population should not lose confidence in the police officers – men and women – that look after its security and welfare every day.

LALLMATIE MURDERS

<B>Police are not convinced by Ramgotee’s version…</B>

The main suspect in the callous murders of Indira and Geera Jhurry, Avinash Ramgotee, incriminated his uncle, Rajesh Ramlogun, even before the latter died. But the police do not seem to believe his version as they are convinced he is just trying to find a way of dissociating himself from the murders. According to Avinash Ramgotee, he heard a woman yelling at the Jhurry’s house and ran to see if there was a problem. But, as soon as he entered, he saw the bodies of the two women lying in pools of blood. He said he was shocked but nevertheless wandered about the house to see if there was something he could steal.

As he was going into the kitchen, he allegedly saw his uncle with a knife in his hand. The latter threatened him to kill him if he did not do as he said. Although Avinash managed to run away, his uncle caught up with him and stabbed him in his stomach.

The police have strong suspicions that Avinash may be the murderer. However they do not discard the possibility that his uncle was his accomplice. As the latter is dead, some aspects of the crime will be difficult to solve… And Avinash is accusing the MCIT of having abused and brutalised him…

DEBATE

<B>The political side…</B>

Since the very beginning, the prime minister and the attorney general have kept repeating that there will be no political interference into the investigation into the murders of the two Jhurry women and the cause of Ramlogun’s death. However, all parties – the government and the opposition – are commenting Ramlogun’s death in police custody and Raddhoa’s comeback at the head of the MCIT.

The situation is as conflictual as usual. The opposition keeps on insisting that if the government had not decided to give the SP the responsibility of the MCIT, there would have been no such incidents in prison. On the other hand, the government is maintaining that that the decision to promote Raddhoa was taken by the PDFC. So, while the PM is trying to calm things down – saying that the investigation must follow its course – the opposition is castigating the government for its silence and demanding Raddhoa’s interdiction…