The Controversial Past of the SST Catches Up with its Former Chief
The former "strongman" of the Central Barracks, Police Superintendent Ashik Jagai, is at the center of an FCC investigation regarding payments linked to the Reward Money fund. This week marks a turning point for the veteran of the Mauritian police force, whose 33-year career, primarily in drug units, has been marked by the rise of the now-defunct Special Striking Team (SST).
Established under the leadership of former commissioner Anil Kumar Dip during ex-Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth's tenure, the SST quickly gained a reputation as a formidable force. Criticism soon followed: arrests marred by allegations of "drug planting" and accusations of abuse of power were made by public figures and lawyers, including Akil Bissessur. According to his detractors, some individuals became victims of the unit's heavy-handed methods.
Among the most vocal critics was lawyer Akil Bissessur, who has been arrested three times by the SST. Close to the Labour Party, he was present in court on Wednesday during Ashik Jagai's appearance. He accuses Jagai of orchestrating a conspiracy against him: "Everything Jagai has done, he did with the blessing of Commissioner Dip and especially with… (mentioning the name of a close associate of a high-ranking official). I felt it was my duty to come and see him fall."
Other public figures have also condemned the SST's methods. Bruneau Laurette, Vimen Sabapati (involved in a drug seizure), and Sherry Singh, an opponent of Pravind Jugnauth, all shouted conspiracy or "drug planting" orchestrated by Jagai's team.
Climate of Fear
Political voices had also denounced these practices. In May 2023, MMM leader Paul Bérenger, then in opposition, warned that any abuse by the SST should be punished: "They stop people without reason. If the Striking Team abuses their power, they will have to answer for it, because only the DPP and the court can decide if someone is guilty or not. Do your job, don't dominate. When it rings, be careful."
In June 2023, then-Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth responded: "I see no climate of fear… only those who go against the law, criminals, drug traffickers, and those involved in money laundering are afraid."
On May 1, 2024, Navin Ramgoolam announced that if he returned to power, this controversial unit would be immediately dissolved. That same year, Linion Pep Morisien organized a protest in Port-Louis, followed by a petition from activist Ivann Bibi demanding the dissolution of the SST: "The red line has been crossed long ago; what are we waiting for to suspend the SST?"
A Chief Who Claimed to be a "Protector"
In an interview with TéléPlus, Ashik Jagai defended himself vigorously: "This Striking Team is a danger to the mafia and those who protect the mafia. Look at how the police catch the mafia, those defending them feel they are in trouble."
Despite the criticism, he remained in office until the change of government. Under the new commissioner Rampersad Sooroojebally, the SST was dissolved in mid-November 2024. SP Jagai was then transferred to the Eastern Division, and later to Terre-Rouge, where he served until his arrest.
Last Wednesday, he was arrested and placed in provisional detention by the FCC as part of the investigation into the Reward Money. His court appearance in Port-Louis the following day, under heavy escort and wearing a bulletproof vest, symbolizes the end of an era for the most controversial unit of the Mauritian police.
