Request for Mamy Ravatomanga to be Detained in Prison: Medical Conditions of Melrose Prison at the Heart of the Debate
A request was made for Mamy Ravatomanga's detention at Melrose Prison, with discussions centering on the medical facilities available there. This took place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Port-Louis court, following a request from the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) asserting that the prison has adequate medical equipment for his care. However, Ravatomanga's legal team disputes this, questioning the medical conditions of the facility.
To support the FCC's request, Dr. Mamode Aniffkhan Yearoo, Ravatomanga's doctor, and prison assistant superintendent Alex Casimir testified to clarify details for Magistrate Prashant Bissoon, who will decide on the FCC's request on Monday, December 1, 2025.
Mamy Ravatomanga (57) was arrested on October 24, 2025, and has been facing three provisional charges since November 6, 2025: one for conspiracy and two for money laundering, related to activities on October 14 and 24, 2025.
The FCC has maintained its objection to his bail request, citing risks of evidence tampering, witness interference, and flight.
During the hearing focused on Ravatomanga’s bail, Woman Police Chief Inspector Arline Raymond presented two medical certificates from Dr. Yearoo after he visited the businessman at Premium Care Clinic in Phoenix. One certificate indicated that Ravatomanga required an additional two weeks of rest and was unfit to appear in court due to health issues. She noted that he was scheduled for an examination on November 28, 2025, by Dr. Ahmud Soreefan, a cardiologist at Victoria Hospital in Candos.
Magistrate Prashant Bissoon inquired about Dr. Soreefan's absence, to which Inspector Raymond explained he was engaged in a surgical procedure.
The debate questioned why Mamy Ravatomanga should be detained at Melrose Prison. After the presentation of the medical certificates, FCC lawyers pointed out that they only specified a need for two weeks of rest at Premium Care and did not suggest any urgent medical reasons.
In response, Ravatomanga's attorney, Me Siddhartha Hawoldar, indicated that two cardiologists, Dr. Vijay Boolell and Dr. Yearoo, were available to clarify his client's health status.
Hawoldar emphasized the need for respect for patient life and referenced Inspector Chandra Gupta Dewoo's statement from November 20, 2025, explaining why Ravatomanga was at Premium Care instead of in police custody. The police commissioner authorized his observation at the private clinic following surgery due to a high risk of infection in a police cell.
However, Me Trishul Naga argued that the twenty-one days had lapsed, prompting his request for Ravatomanga to be held at Melrose Prison, asserting it was equipped with necessary medical facilities.
The health of Mamy Ravatomanga remains a critical concern, as Dr. Yearoo highlighted that he had lost 11 kg in ten days and continues to experience chest pains. The cardiologist classified his condition as unstable, with a risk of heart attack, emphasizing the need for continued observation.
In questioning the appropriateness of prison facilities, Dr. Yearoo admitted he was unaware of the medical capabilities at the prison. Furthermore, he refrained from recommending Ravatomanga's detention in a cell, asserting the clinic had essential medical equipment.
Me Trishul Naga drew attention to the fact that Dr. Soreefan had previously saved Ravatomanga's life while he was at Premium Care, while Dr. Yearoo stated he couldn't operate without the client's consent as he wished for treatment abroad.
The discussion also covered the rights to care and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court, with Hawoldar arguing for fair treatment for his client. Conversely, Naga maintained that the prison was suitable for providing necessary medical care, questioning why Ravatomanga should remain in a private clinic rather than a prison. He highlighted that a public doctor had previously saved Ravatomanga’s life, asserting there was no reason for him to remain at Premium Care.
The FCC asserted that Melrose Prison is adequate based on Ravatomanga’s health condition, with ASP Alex Casimir attesting to the medical facilities there, claiming it to be the best in the Indian Ocean. He noted that inmates clean daily and that the prison is regularly inspected by magistrates and social workers.
Upon leaving the court, Me Siddhartha Hawoldar reiterated the physician's testimony about his client's fragile state, noting that Ravatomanga's health requires continuous medical supervision, especially after recent surgeries.
The FCC contended that the prison has suitable hospital facilities, but the lawyer argued that these resources were insufficient for a serious heart condition. He expressed anticipation for the outcome of the motion on December 1, 2025.
Mamy Ravatomanga is also represented by Mes Khushal Lobine, Joy Beeharry, Me Devina Deonarain, and Nirakar Hawoldar.
The charges against the Malagasy magnate include possession of substantial sums suspected to be from illicit activities and an alleged agreement to commit influence peddling related to an ongoing investigation. The financial figures involved amount to over Rs 6 billion and Rs 858 million, with the offenses taking place on Mauritian territory on October 24, 2025, and with the alleged influence peddling occurring on October 14, 2025.
Regarding medical care in prison, ASP Alex Casimir confirmed the presence of medical facilities, including 24-hour nursing staff and on-call doctors. He stated that there are four cardiac patients under constant supervision, and in emergencies, a response team is activated, with immediate first aid provided, and transport available to major hospitals if necessary.
