Rajesh Ramlogun?s widow must have the feeling that her fight has been worth the effort. ?Foul play suspected.? This is the verdict of magistrate Raj Seebaluck as he closed the judicial enquiry set up to state the circumstances of suspect Ramlogun?s death while in police custody. The Central Criminal Investigation Department (CCID), which is also investigating the same matter is expected to submit its conclusions shortly. The Commission of Human rights, chaired by ex-justice Seetulsingh, has also opened an enquiry into the allegations of police brutality in this case.

Only the Director of public prosecutions (DPP) can then decide to take legal action against the seven MCIT members incriminated and now interdicted pending conclusion of the case. Rajesh Ramlogun was under the custody of the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), headed by SP Prem Raddhoa, after his arrest concerning the deaths of Indira and Asha Jhurry from multiple stab wounds in their Lallmatie home. He was considered as having been the accomplice of his nephew, Avinash Ramguttee, prime suspect in the murder. (See inset). Two days later, he died in hospital and his wife has kept saying that ?the Raddhoa team had beaten him to death?. The autopsy revealed 15 bruises on his body and the police doctor stated that his death was due to intra-cranial haemorrhage. Does the judicial enquiry confirm the widow?s suspicions? Or is it too early to draw conclusions?

<B>Independent work</B>

Last Thursday, the attorney general, Rama Valayden, convened a meeting with the DPP and members of the State Law Office to ensure the case will be dealt with urgently from the moment the CCID report is submitted. ?As the conclusions of the enquiries will be ready soon, we have stated deadlines to make sure the case is dealt with quickly. Light must be shed on this case.? The attorney general, however, made it clear that the DPP and the police will do their work ?in all independence?.

The seven MCIT officers are provisionally charged with manslaughter. Retired forensic scientist, Dr Gujjalu, who attended the autopsy on behalf of the suspect?s family stated that Ramlogun had received a severe blow on the left side of his head. If the officer responsible for the blow confesses or someone denounces him, the provisional charge of manslaughter might be retained against him only. The six others would then be charged with conspiracy. If the seven members had premeditated Ramlogun?s death, they will be charged with murder and, after a preliminary enquiry, they could be sent to the Assizes. On the other hand, if the police investigation leads to the conclusion that the death was due to wounds and blows but with no intention to kill, then the charges could be reduced.

The DPP will most probably study the three reports carefully before taking any official stand. He has three options: sending the case to the Assizes (if he considers it?s murder), to the intermediate court (if it is wounds and blows without intention of causing death) or giving a ruling of a ?Nolle prosequi? (if he considers there is not enough evidence to bring the suspects to trial).

<B>Avinash?s relatives behind bars</B>

Investigating Ramlogun?s death, the CCID is seaching for the murderer(s) of Indira and Geeta Jhurry. Avinash Ramguttee?s sister and mother were arrested in this connection last Saturday. The police believe they helped the main suspect, Avinash, to conceal the crime he had committed. The CCID were not satisfied with their statements when they were questioned and has kept them in detention. They suspect Rambhawtee and Rooma cleaned Avinash?s worn-out shoes after he came back from the Jhurrys. The police have also seized video compact discs at Avinash?s place and are trying to unveil drawings on his bedroom door that have been covered with paint. They are now waiting for results from the Forensic Science Laboratory and the Scene of Crime Office to confirm their suspicions. Avinash has always denied that he killed the women and he incriminated his dead uncle.