[Fatal Assault on Darren Rungasamy] The MCIT Takes Over the Investigation

The investigation into the fatal assault of Darren Rungasamy has been handed over to the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT). The 30-year-old man died on Tuesday morning at the Piton detention center while he was supposed to be taken to the Pamplemousses court for his appearance. The circumstances of his death come just ten days after the violent incident he had suffered in Terre-Rouge.

Darren Rungasamy, a resident of Plaine des Papayes, had been arrested in connection with a theft case. On December 17, a team from the Divisional Crime Intelligence Unit (DCIU) went to Terre-Rouge after receiving reports of a suspicious individual in the area. Upon arrival, the police spotted Darren Rungasamy and detained him to question him about his presence in the neighborhood.

According to initial investigation findings, the man was unable to provide a plausible explanation that satisfied law enforcement. While the police were managing the situation, a group of individuals, consisting of both men and women, approached. This group physically attacked Darren Rungasamy despite the presence of police officers at the scene.

The victim was reportedly violently assaulted, receiving blows to various parts of his body. The police on site attempted to arrest him and secure him, but were initially impeded by the group's intervention. Witnesses describe a violent scene during which law enforcement struggled to regain control.

After sustained efforts, the police finally managed to control and detain Darren Rungasamy. By that time, he had already sustained numerous visible injuries. He was then placed under the custody of the authorities. His health condition required medical monitoring during his detention.

On Tuesday morning, as he was to be transferred to the Pamplemousses court for his appearance, Darren Rungasamy died at the Piton detention center. His death prompted the authorities to assign the investigation to the MCIT, given the seriousness of the events and the circumstances surrounding the case.

MCIT investigators have already retrieved footage from surveillance cameras installed in the Terre-Rouge area. Photographs taken on the day of the incident have also been collected. These visual elements form a central part of the investigation and are expected to help identify those involved in the assault.

Meanwhile, residents from the neighborhood where Darren Rungasamy was attacked will soon be interviewed by investigators. These hearings aim to gather additional testimonies to establish the precise sequence of events and determine the responsibilities of each individual involved.

Three Arrests for Involuntary Manslaughter

Three individuals were arrested on Thursday, December 26, 2025, in connection with the investigation into Darren Rungasamy's death in custody. They are Pazhany Ben Moodaly (32), Seeva Veerasamy (62), and Shamougen Veerasamy (26). Presented before the Pamplemousses District Court, they face a provisional charge of 'manslaughter' and have been placed in police custody. The investigation is ongoing.