Alleged Misconduct Regarding CEB Contracts: Defense Seeks Clarification on the Incriminating Payment

On October 15, 2025, a procedural battle unfolded at the Financial Crimes Division. Dharamraj Deenoo, former Assistant Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, is contesting the wording of the charges against him. He is suspected of having received Rs 100,000 in connection with alleged misconduct linked to the awarding of contracts by the Central Electricity Board (CEB).

His lawyer, Me Ravi Rutnah, requested the prosecution to provide three critical clarifications: how the amount was handed over by Philippe Alain Hao Thyn Chuan Ha Shun; the exact date; and the method of transfer—whether it was by wire, in person, or another means.

According to Me Rutnah, "the current information does not meet legal requirements" and poses a risk of "trial by ambush," contrary to Article 10 of the Constitution. He also cited Article 17 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which mandates that all charges contain sufficient details for a defendant to prepare their defense.

The representative of the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), Me Sweta Ramsooroop, opposed this request, arguing that the payment date—February 2018—is already included in the charges, and the concerned witness will testify in court. The details requested by the defense, she added, pertain to evidence that will be presented during the depositions. "The prosecution has already disclosed its case and cannot reveal evidence from the lawyers' bench," she clarified. Magistrate Kevin Rangasamy reserved judgment, which will be delivered on November 26, 2025.

In this case, four men are being prosecuted: Chavansingh Dabeedin, a CEB executive, faces 12 counts of corruption and 13 of money laundering; Philippe Alain Hao Thyn Chuan Ha Shun, former head of Phil Alain Didier Company Ltd (PADCO), is charged with 15 counts of corruption; Brahmadutt Sewpal, Area Manager at CEB, is facing two charges of "bribery by a public official"; and Dharamraj Deenoo is charged with "receiving a gift for a corrupt purpose."