Safe Deposit Box Case: Navin Ramgoolam Demands Evidence of Political Vendetta

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam is demanding access to several documents to prove that the investigation into the sums of money found in his possession in 2015 is motivated by a political vendetta. The Financial Crimes Division is set to decide on this request on November 27, 2025.

Ramgoolam is seeking documents he considers essential to demonstrate the political vendetta in the case involving the banknotes discovered in his safes in 2015. The case was called before the Financial Crimes Division on Thursday, presided over by magistrates Razia Jannoo-Jaunbocus and Abdool Raheem Tajoodeen. The hearing focused on a motion filed by Senior Counsel Me Robin Ramburn, assisted by Me Shaukat Oozeer and Me Yanilla Moonshiram.

The Prime Minister faces 23 charges, suspected of having accepted Rs 63.8 million in cash between 2009 and 2015. The defense is requesting several investigative elements, including the identity of the informant who prompted the search in February 2015, the list of individuals informed, and the search warrants.

Ramgoolam’s lawyers are also seeking documents that could demonstrate a lack of independence from the Central Criminal Investigation Department (CCID) at that time. They mention a family connection between Pravind Jugnauth and Heman Jangi, who was then the Assistant Commissioner of Police responsible for the CCID.

The defense aims to obtain all documents showing any political or governmental involvement in the investigation. They are requesting information about leaks to the press, particularly the airing by the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation of images from the seized safe, as well as the seizure of phones and other devices.

Me Nataraj Muneesamy, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, responded that the disclosure obligation was fulfilled in 2017. He asserts the new requests are "vague, speculative, and concern information protected by public interest privilege," labeling them as a "fishing expedition." He suggests that if the defense believes Pravind Jugnauth, Heman Jangi, or Rakesh Gooljaury have useful information, they can call them as witnesses.

For Me Ramburn, disclosure is an ongoing constitutional obligation based on Article 10 of the Constitution. He claims this request is central to the defense strategy, aiming to demonstrate a politically motivated investigation. He cites a statement attributed to Sir Anerood Jugnauth in 2015: "If I do not put Ramgoolam in a case, I will change my name" — to illustrate the political context. He also mentions pressures on the DPP's office and an attempt to oust its former holder.