The “Savriacooty saga” is far from over. The story is becoming even more astonishing as the police have provisionally charged the “victim”, Marie-Linley Savriacooty, with “effecting public mischief”. After being arrested, she was released on Rs 10,000 bail. The charges against Dev Manna, suspected to be behind the alleged attack, have also been dropped. (see inset)

Marie-Linley Savriacooty stated she was kidnapped in Rose-Hill on 27th June and taken to Camp-de-Masque where she was sexually abused, tortured and left unconscious in the sugar cane fields. However, the police started to have doubts over her version when a truck driver revealed he saw her walking near the place where she was later discovered by the police.

Moreover, the report of the police chief medical officer, Satish Boolell, revealed that her wound could have been self-inflicted. And toxicological tests were found to be of little forensic value. In view of all these “suspicious” details, the police believe Marie-Linley Savriacooty may not have told the truth.

On the other hand, the alleged “victim” said she was “shocked” that the police are suing her. She added she was convinced this was the result of a conspiracy against her and warned that she would call upon international opinion and is also thinking of suing the police.

The episode at Camp-de-Masque is actually not the only alleged attack on Marie-Linley Savriacooty. She had told the police she had been sexually abused in Rose-Belle in front of many passers-by who did not do anything to help. Soon after the Camp-de-Masque episode, she was found lying unconscious on the ground at Mahebourg bus station wearing the same clothes as on 27th June… She alleged she was kidnapped in Port-Louis and taken to her former house in New-Grove where she could see three policemen from Souillac nearby...

<B>Dev Manna cleared of charges</B>

“I am relieved. I have always trusted justice. Justice has finally won,” Dev Manna said to l’express after hearing the news. Magistrate Raj Seebaluck decided to abandon charges of sequestration and sexual abuse against him. He was arrested on 27th June after Marie-Linley Savriacooty said she heard one of her attackers call another one “Dev”. But this is not the first time his name was mentioned by the woman; he had already been arrested – with his brother-in-law, Sudesh Ramlogun – in February after the alleged attack in New-Grove. Even though they have always insisted on their innocence, this case is going on. But for the moment, Dev Manna and his wife are savouring their victory…