Is Antoine Chetty linked to every murky affair in this country? Or is it just a ploy to prolong his questioning and avoid prison? Nothing looks very clear. The police, however, do not want to discard totally the possibility that he holds information that could help to reopen two major criminal cases that have up to now remained unsolved: Vanessa Lagesse?s death and the mysterious ?suicide? at Bassin-Blanc.

Until now, two distinct theories on the cause of death of Rameshwar Sandooram and Anshi Ittoo, whose bodies were fished out of the lake of Bassin Blanc in November 2002, have always been opposed: suicide ? the official version ? and foul play. The second trail was followed after the police had received two anonymous letters giving details about what happened on that day. Then, it was abandoned because of lack of evidence.

Since Chetty appears to hold some items of information that could contribute to backing up the theory of foul play, these letters are now being taken more seriously. The first one, apparently written by one of Anshi?s friends, reveals that the young girl and her lover were followed by strangers. The second suggests that the Bassin-Blanc deaths could be connected with Sir Anerood Jugnauth?s son-in-law, Dr. Malhotra?s assault. The latter was attacked in his office at Med Point clinic and burned with sulfuric acid.

Could the revelations of Antoine Chetty lead to the dismantling of a gang of ?contract killers?, which could have been involved in the tragic events of Bassin-Blanc? No trail should be neglected. ?The police asked Antoine Chetty if he had revelations to make because they think he may have information that the lovers did not commit suicide but were executed by contract killers,? Chetty?s lawyer, Samad Goolamaully explains.

Antoine Chetty has said that he is ?ready to collaborate? with the police over this affair.

<B>A gang of contract killers</B>

The notary?s ex-driver is said to have made the same type of allusions concerning the murder of the fashion designer Vanessa Lagesse, found strangled in her bathroom in Grand-Bay in March 2001.

Early in the investigation, some of her close relatives were suspected but DNA tests made in South Africa were not conclusive. Finally, Bernard Maigrot, her lover, was arrested and he confessed to the crime. However, soon afterwards, he alleged that he had been tortured by the police and went back on his confession. The preliminary enquiry has started in Mapou tribunal but Maigrot?s guilt is being questioned and the police seem to be searching for other trails. Police inspector Hector Tuyau has appointed one of his team members in Grand-Baie to gather evidence and confirm whether Vanessa Lagesse did have a link with one person involved in the ?notary scandal? or not.

Since Chetty has not formally revealed anything on these two cases, he cannot be given any credit. He could have promised ?revelations? after the police adopted a tougher line with him, since his questioning on other matters concerning the Deelchand ?gang? is now over. This week will be a crucial one.